What is the primary advantage of using a linked list over an array?

The primary advantage of using a linked list over an array is its dynamic size. Linked lists are inherently dynamic data structures, meaning they can grow and shrink as needed during the execution of a program. This feature allows for efficient memory usage because you can easily add or remove nodes without needing to allocate a larger block of contiguous memory, as is required with arrays.

In contrast, arrays have a fixed size. Once an array is created, its size is set at the time of allocation, which can lead to waste of memory if the allocated size is larger than the number of elements actually needed, or it can restrict the program's capability if there is a requirement for more elements than the initial size can accommodate. With linked lists, nodes can be added or removed in constant time with proper references, allowing for flexible data management that adapts to usage patterns or changes in the amount of data being handled.

Other factors, such as faster access or better memory stability, are generally not advantages of linked lists compared to arrays. Accessing elements by index in an array is typically faster because arrays support direct access through their index, while linked lists require sequential traversal from the head to the desired node. Memory allocation in linked lists can also lead to fragmentation, which may be perceived