What term describes a linked list where the pointer to the last node gives easy access to the first node?

The term that describes a linked list where the pointer to the last node allows for easy access to the first node is referred to as a circular linked list. In a circular linked list, the last node does not point to null; instead, it points back to the first node. This creates a continuous loop, enabling traversal of the list without reaching an endpoint.

The key feature of a circular linked list is this connection from the last node to the first, which facilitates operations such as insertion and deletion, as well as iterative traversal, making it efficient for certain applications where such looping behavior is advantageous.

In contrast, other types of linked lists, such as linear linked lists, do not have this characteristic; they have a clear start and end, with the last node pointing to null, thus not allowing a direct link back to the first node. Similarly, doubly linked lists, while allowing traversal in both directions (forward and backward), do not inherently create a circular structure unless explicitly implemented that way. Single linked lists simply refer to lists where each node points to the next, again ending with a null reference.