Reverse a Linked List

Given a linked list of N nodes. The task is to reverse this list.

1. Itterative

Algorithm

• Initialize three pointers prev as NULL, curr as head and next as NULL.
• Iterate through the linked list. In loop, do following. // Before changing next of current, store next node next = curr->next // Now change next of current This is where actual reversing happens curr->next = prev // Move prev and curr one step forward prev = curr curr = next

Code

struct Node *reverseList(struct Node *head)
{
    Node *curr = head;
    Node *prev = NULL, *next = NULL;

    while (curr != NULL)
    {
        next = curr->next;
        curr->next = prev;
        prev = curr;
        curr = next;
    }

    return prev;
}

2. Recursive

Algorithm

1. Divide the list in two parts - first node and rest of the linked list.
2. Call reverse for the rest of the linked list.
3. Link rest to first.
4. Fix head pointer

Code

struct Node *reverse(struct Node *head)
{
    if (head == NULL || head->next == NULL)
        return head;

    Node *rest = reverse(head->next);
    head->next->next = head;

    head->next = NULL;

    return rest;
}

Reference

• GFG: Reverse a Linked List