1. Linked lists are a linear data structure where each element contains a data field and a pointer to the next element. This allows flexible insertion and deletion compared to arrays.
2. Each node of a singly linked list contains a data field and a next pointer. Traversal follows the next pointers from head to tail. Doubly linked lists add a back pointer for bidirectional traversal.
3. Common operations on linked lists include traversal, search, insertion at head/specific point, and deletion by adjusting pointers. Memory for new nodes comes from a free list, and deleted nodes return there.