Clone linked list with next and random pointer

In this video, we explore how to clone a linked list with next and random pointers. The task involves duplicating a linked list where each node has two pointers: a next pointer and a random pointer, which can point to any node in the list. We examine different approaches to cloning this type of list. The naive approach uses a hash table to store new nodes and update their next and random pointers based on the original list. This approach works in O(2n) time and requires O(2n) space.

We also cover a more efficient method where we insert nodes in-place. This approach avoids the extra space used by hash tables. By creating a duplicate node next to each original node, we can set the random pointers and then separate the cloned list from the original. This approach runs in O(3n) time but uses O(1) space, making it more space-efficient. The tutorial provides step-by-step explanations and code for each method, showcasing how to handle random pointers and return the correct cloned list.

For more details, please go through - Clone linked list with next and random pointer