Copying cyclic list structures in linear time using bounded workspace

Abstract

A bounded workspace copying algorithm for arbitrary list structures is given. This algorithm operates in linear time and does not require tag bits. The best previous bounded workspace copying algorithms achieved n 2 time without tag bits and n log n time with one tag. The only restriction on the algorithm given here is that the copy must be placed into a contiguous section of memory. The method is applicable to fixed or variable size nodes.