Merging multiple sorted linked lists is a very popular problem in data structures and algorithms. If you have several lists where each one is already sorted, the goal is to merge them into one single sorted linked list while keeping the order intact. This problem is common in coding interviews, competitive programming, and real-world applications like combining search results or merging logs in large systems.
In this article, we’ll explore different ways to merge k sorted linked lists. We will explain each method step by step, share examples, discuss its advantages and disadvantages, and finally identify the most efficient solution.