List

In computer terms, a list is a linear collection of similar data. The internal organization varies based on the type of list. In a Linked list, each item in the list has a link to the next, and/or preceding item. In a contiguous list there is no need for links because the items occupy a contiguous area of memory. Contiguous lists are more suitable for random access, similar to an array, but resizing the list can be expensive. It is a less-expensive operation to add or remove items from Linked lists, but the lists must be accessed sequentially.

A hybrid approach uses sections of contiguous items linked together. This approach is used in certain applications, such as lists of file extents in File Systems.