Topic

Implement a member function called hasLoop() that checks if the linked list has a loop or not.

Output:

Constraints:

Example 1:

Suppose you have a LinkedList object, list, with the following values:
1 -> 2 -> 3 -> 4 -> 5, and no loop

After calling the hasLoop() function:

The result should be false.

Example 2:

Now suppose you have a LinkedList object, list, with the following values:
1 -> 2 -> 3 -> 4 -> 5 -> 6, and a loop exists between nodes 6 and 3

After calling the hasLoop() function:

The result should be true.

1. Initialize slow pointer to the head of the list

2. Initialize fast pointer to the head of the list

3. Loop while fast pointer is not null and fast pointer’s next node is not null

a. Move slow pointer one step ahead in the list

b. Move fast pointer two steps ahead in the list

c. Check if slow pointer and fast pointer are the same

The hasLoop() function is used to detect if a linked list contains a loop (cycle) or not.

It also utilizes the "tortoise and hare" algorithm.

Here's a step-by-step explanation of the logic:

The “tortoise and hare” algorithm works by having two pointers move at different speeds through the linked list. If there is a loop, the faster pointer (the hare) will eventually catch up to the slower pointer (the tortoise) inside the loop. If there is no loop, the faster pointer will reach the end of the list.

Code with inline comments:

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