Leetcode #148: Sort List
In this guide, we solve Leetcode #148 Sort List in Python and focus on the core idea that makes the solution efficient.
You will see the intuition, the step-by-step method, and a clean Python implementation you can use in interviews.
Problem Statement
Given the head of a linked list, return the list after sorting it in ascending order. Example 1: Input: head = [4,2,1,3] Output: [1,2,3,4] Example 2: Input: head = [-1,5,3,4,0] Output: [-1,0,3,4,5] Example 3: Input: head = [] Output: [] Constraints: The number of nodes in the list is in the range [0, 5 * 104].
Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Medium
- Premium: No
- Tags: Linked List, Two Pointers, Divide and Conquer, Sorting, Merge Sort
Intuition
The constraints hint that we can reason about two ends of the data at once, which is perfect for a two-pointer scan.
Moving one pointer at a time keeps the invariant intact and avoids nested loops.
Approach
Place pointers at the left and right ends and move them based on the comparison or target condition.
This yields a clean linear pass after any required sorting.
Steps:
- Set left and right pointers.
- Move a pointer based on the condition.
- Update the best answer while scanning.
Example
Input: head = [4,2,1,3]
Output: [1,2,3,4]
Python Solution
# Definition for singly-linked list.
# class ListNode:
# def __init__(self, val=0, next=None):
# self.val = val
# self.next = next
class Solution:
def sortList(self, head: Optional[ListNode]) -> Optional[ListNode]:
if head is None or head.next is None:
return head
slow, fast = head, head.next
while fast and fast.next:
slow = slow.next
fast = fast.next.next
l1, l2 = head, slow.next
slow.next = None
l1, l2 = self.sortList(l1), self.sortList(l2)
dummy = ListNode()
tail = dummy
while l1 and l2:
if l1.val <= l2.val:
tail.next = l1
l1 = l1.next
else:
tail.next = l2
l2 = l2.next
tail = tail.next
tail.next = l1 or l2
return dummy.next
Complexity
The time complexity is , and the space complexity is . The space complexity is .
Edge Cases and Pitfalls
Watch for boundary values, empty inputs, and duplicate values where applicable. If the problem involves ordering or constraints, confirm the invariant is preserved at every step.
Summary
This Python solution focuses on the essential structure of the problem and keeps the implementation interview-friendly while meeting the constraints.