Linked List Example in Java

Introduction

Linked List is a classic Java console program that demonstrates the concept with complete source code and sample output. The Collections Framework provides ArrayList, HashMap, HashSet and related data structures.

This tutorial walks through the program line by line, explains how the logic works, and highlights best practices you can apply in your own code.

Definition

This class stores the elements in nodes that each have a pointer to the previous and next nodes in the list. The list can be traversed by following the pointers, and elements can be added or removed simply by changing the pointers around to place the node in its proper place.

Syntax

LinkedList variable_name = new LinkedList();

Linked List Example Program

import java.util.LinkedList;
public class LinkedListDemo {
    public static void main(String a[]){
        LinkedList ll = new LinkedList();
        ll.add("January");
        ll.add("March");
        ll.add("May");
        ll.add("July");
        System.out.println(ll);
        System.out.println("Size of the linked list: "+ll.size());
        System.out.println("Is LinkedList empty? "+ll.isEmpty());
        System.out.println("Does LinkedList contains 'September'? "+ll.contains("September"));
    }
}

Sample Output

[January, March, May, July]
Size of the linked list: 4
Is LinkedList empty? false
Does LinkedList contains 'September'? false

When to use

Use this linked list example when learning or revising core Java syntax.

How it works

1. Execution begins in the main method — the JVM calls this method when you run the class.

2. import java.util.LinkedList; imports a class used later in the program.

3. LinkedList ll = new LinkedList(); updates a variable used in the calculation or output.

4. A println / print call writes text to the console — part of the sample output below.

5. A println / print call writes text to the console — part of the sample output below.

6. A println / print call writes text to the console — part of the sample output below.

7. A println / print call writes text to the console — part of the sample output below.

8. Compare your console output with the sample output for Linked List to confirm the program behaves correctly.

Best Practices

• Use meaningful variable and class names that describe their purpose.
• Compile and run the program locally — modify values to see how output changes.
• Read compiler errors carefully; they usually point to the exact line to fix.

Common Mistakes

• Copying code without understanding each line — practice by changing one statement at a time.
• Mismatching the public class name and the .java filename.
• Forgetting semicolons at the end of statements.