Hot100: Linked List Cycle Floyd Fast/Slow Pointer ACERS Guide
Subtitle / Summary Detecting a cycle in a linked list is a pointer chasing problem, not a value comparison problem. This ACERS guide explains why Floyd’s fast/slow pointers must meet if a cycle exists, how to avoid null-pointer bugs, and how the same pattern maps to engineering checks. Reading time: 10-12 min Tags: Hot100, linked list, fast slow pointers, Floyd SEO keywords: Linked List Cycle, Floyd, fast slow pointers, LeetCode 141, Hot100 Meta description: O(n)/O(1) cycle detection in singly linked lists using Floyd fast/slow pointers, with alternatives, common mistakes, and runnable multi-language code. Target Readers Hot100 learners and interview candidates Developers building reusable linked-list two-pointer templates Engineers who need to detect loops in chain-like structures Background / Motivation Cycle bugs are common in pointer-linked structures: ...