# 142. Linked List Cycle II

Given a linked list, return the node where the cycle begins. If there is no cycle, return `null`.

To represent a cycle in the given linked list, we use an integer `pos` which represents the position (0-indexed) in the linked list where tail connects to. If `pos` is `-1`, then there is no cycle in the linked list.

**Note:** Do not modify the linked list.

**Example 1:**

```
Input: head = [3,2,0,-4], pos = 1
Output: tail connects to node index 1
Explanation: There is a cycle in the linked list, where tail connects to the second node.
```

![](https://assets.leetcode.com/uploads/2018/12/07/circularlinkedlist.png)

**Example 2:**

```
Input: head = [1,2], pos = 0
Output: tail connects to node index 0
Explanation: There is a cycle in the linked list, where tail connects to the first node.
```

![](https://assets.leetcode.com/uploads/2018/12/07/circularlinkedlist_test2.png)

**Example 3:**

```
Input: head = [1], pos = -1
Output: no cycle
Explanation: There is no cycle in the linked list.
```

![](https://assets.leetcode.com/uploads/2018/12/07/circularlinkedlist_test3.png)

**Follow up**:\
Can you solve it without using extra space?

```cpp
// Slow and Fast Pointers
ListNode *detectCycle(ListNode *head) { // time: O(n); space: O(1)
    ListNode *slow = head, *fast = head;
    while (fast && fast->next) {
        slow = slow->next;
        fast = fast->next->next;
        if (slow == fast) break;
    }
    if (!fast || !fast->next) return nullptr;
    slow = head;
    while (slow != fast) {
        slow = slow->next;
        fast = fast->next;
    }
    return slow;
}
```


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://jimmylin1991.gitbook.io/practice-of-algorithm-problems/linked-list/142.-linked-list-cycle-ii.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
