What characterizes a linked list?

A linked list is characterized as a linear data structure comprised of nodes that reference one another. Each node typically contains two main components: the data element and a reference (or pointer) to the next node in the sequence. This referencing allows the linked list to have a flexible size since it can grow and shrink as elements are added or removed. As such, linked lists can utilize memory more efficiently, particularly when compared to static data structures like arrays that have a fixed size determined at compile time.

The structure's linearity highlights that its elements are organized in a sequence, which is evident in how nodes can be traversed one after another, starting from a designated head node. This means that traversal is typically unidirectional unless the linked list is specifically implemented as a doubly linked list, which allows for bidirectional access.

The other options present characteristics that do not align with what defines a linked list. For instance, the limitation to only storing integer values misrepresents linked lists, as they can store various types of data, including objects and other data types. Additionally, describing it as a static structure with fixed size contradicts its dynamic nature; linked lists can change size during runtime based on the operations performed. Lastly, while some linked lists can allow