How do you typically refer to the first node in a linked list?

In a linked list, the first node is commonly referred to as the "Head Node." This term is standard terminology in data structures, indicating the starting point of the list from which all other nodes can be accessed. The head node plays a critical role because it serves as the entry point to traverse the entire list.

If the head node is not present or is null, it means that the linked list is empty, making it impossible to access any additional nodes. The term "Head" emphasizes its key function in the structure, as it allows for actions such as insertion, deletion, and traversal operations to be performed effectively.

Other terms in the choices represent different concepts in data structures: the "Root Node" typically refers to the top node in a tree structure, the "Tail Node" is generally the last node in a linked list, and "Base Node" is not a standard term associated specifically with linked lists or other common data structures. Understanding these distinctions reinforces the importance of knowing the terminology used in data structures, enabling clearer communication and more effective programming practices.