Linked List Algorithms - Cycle Detection

Loop Start Point

Loop Start Point uses pointer movement to reason about loops, entry points, and safe traversal in a linked structure.

Slow Pointer

The slow pointer advances one node at a time.

The fast pointer advances two nodes at a time and reveals repeated structure.

If the two pointers meet, the list contains a loop.

Removal problems identify the link that closes the loop and disconnect it.

List valuesSelected value

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Linked List Algorithms - Cycle Detection

Loop Start Point uses pointer movement to reason about loops, entry points, and safe traversal in a linked structure.

The slow pointer advances one node at a time.

The fast pointer advances two nodes at a time and reveals repeated structure.

If the two pointers meet, the list contains a loop.

Removal problems identify the link that closes the loop and disconnect it.

List valuesSelected value