LeetCode 160: Intersection of Two Linked Lists Solution

Master LeetCode problem 160 (Intersection of Two Linked Lists), a easy challenge, with our optimized solutions in Java, C++, and Python. Explore detailed explanations, test your code in our interactive editor, and prepare for coding interviews.

160. Intersection of Two Linked Lists

Easy

Hash Table Linked List Two Pointers

Problem Explanation

Explanation

To find the intersection point of two linked lists, we can use a two-pointer approach. We start by iterating through both lists simultaneously using two pointers, one for each list. When a pointer reaches the end of a list, we reset it to the head of the other list. This way, the pointers will travel the same distance before reaching the intersection point.

If the lists intersect, the pointers will meet at the intersection node. If the lists do not intersect, both pointers will reach the end simultaneously, indicating no intersection.

This approach has a time complexity of O(m + n) and uses only O(1) additional memory.

Solution Code

public class Solution {
    public ListNode getIntersectionNode(ListNode headA, ListNode headB) {
        ListNode pA = headA;
        ListNode pB = headB;

        while (pA != pB) {
            pA = pA == null ? headB : pA.next;
            pB = pB == null ? headA : pB.next;
        }

        return pA;
    }
}

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