What is the time complexity of inserting a new node at the head of a singly linked list?

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Multiple Choice

What is the time complexity of inserting a new node at the head of a singly linked list?

Explanation:
Inserting at the head of a singly linked list is a constant-time operation. The process involves a fixed set of steps: create the new node, set its next pointer to the current head, and update the head to point to this new node. These steps do not depend on the number of nodes in the list, so the time required stays the same regardless of list length. That’s why the time complexity is O(1). In contrast, inserting elsewhere (like at the tail or in the middle) can require traversing nodes, which would take O(n) time.

Inserting at the head of a singly linked list is a constant-time operation. The process involves a fixed set of steps: create the new node, set its next pointer to the current head, and update the head to point to this new node. These steps do not depend on the number of nodes in the list, so the time required stays the same regardless of list length. That’s why the time complexity is O(1). In contrast, inserting elsewhere (like at the tail or in the middle) can require traversing nodes, which would take O(n) time.

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