MHB Using a Sentinel Value to Find an Element in a List

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Using a sentinel value in data structures, such as linked lists and trees, provides several advantages. It serves as a designated node that acts as a traversal path terminator, eliminating the need to check for null references. This leads to increased operational speed, reduced algorithmic complexity, and potentially greater robustness of the data structure. The primary benefit is that when searching for an element, the presence of a sentinel allows for streamlined processing without needing to handle the case where the element does not exist.
evinda
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Hi! (Smile)

If we want to look for an element $x$ in a list, we can use a sentinel value.
What do we gain, with the use of a sentinel value?
 
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evinda said:
Hi! (Smile)

If we want to look for an element $x$ in a list, we can use a sentinel value.
What do we gain, with the use of a sentinel value?

Hey! (Wave)

From wiki:

A sentinel node is a specifically designated node used with linked lists and trees as a traversal path terminator. A sentinel node does not hold or reference any data managed by the data structure. Sentinels are used as an alternative over using null as the path terminator in order to get one or more of the following benefits:

1. Increased speed of operations
2. Reduced algorithmic complexity and code size
3. Increased data structure robustness (arguably)​

(Nerd)
 
I like Serena said:
Hey! (Wave)

From wiki:

A sentinel node is a specifically designated node used with linked lists and trees as a traversal path terminator. A sentinel node does not hold or reference any data managed by the data structure. Sentinels are used as an alternative over using null as the path terminator in order to get one or more of the following benefits:

1. Increased speed of operations
2. Reduced algorithmic complexity and code size
3. Increased data structure robustness (arguably)​

(Nerd)


Why do we have the above benefits? Because of the fact that if we are looking for an element, we do not have to check the case that the element does not exist? (Thinking)
 
evinda said:
Why do we have the above benefits? Because of the fact that if we are looking for an element, we do not have to check the case that the element does not exist? (Thinking)

You've answered your own question! (Clapping)
 
I like Serena said:
You've answered your own question! (Clapping)

Great! Thanks a lot! (Music)
 
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