How can you detect if a linked list contains a cycle? Provide an algorithm.

  • Randomly select nodes and check for connections to form a cycle.
  • Traverse the linked list and mark each visited node, checking for any previously marked nodes.
  • Use a hash table to store visited nodes and check for collisions.
  • Utilize Floyd's Tortoise and Hare algorithm with two pointers moving at different speeds.
The Floyd's Tortoise and Hare algorithm involves using two pointers moving at different speeds to detect a cycle in a linked list. If there is a cycle, the two pointers will eventually meet. This algorithm has a time complexity of O(n) and does not require additional data structures.
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