Leetcode #237: Delete Node in a Linked List
In this guide, we solve Leetcode #237 Delete Node in a Linked 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
There is a singly-linked list head and we want to delete a node node in it. You are given the node to be deleted node.
Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Medium
- Premium: No
- Tags: Linked List
Intuition
Linked list problems often require pointer manipulation rather than extra memory.
Two-pointer techniques expose cycles, midpoints, or reordering patterns.
Approach
Traverse with fast/slow pointers or reverse sublists when needed.
Maintain invariants carefully to avoid losing nodes.
Steps:
- Traverse with pointers.
- Reverse or split if required.
- Reconnect nodes correctly.
Example
Input: head = [4,5,1,9], node = 5
Output: [4,1,9]
Explanation: You are given the second node with value 5, the linked list should become 4 -> 1 -> 9 after calling your function.
Python Solution
# Definition for singly-linked list.
# class ListNode:
# def __init__(self, x):
# self.val = x
# self.next = None
class Solution:
def deleteNode(self, node):
"""
:type node: ListNode
:rtype: void Do not return anything, modify node in-place instead.
"""
node.val = node.next.val
node.next = node.next.next
Complexity
The time complexity is O(n). The space complexity is O(1).
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.