In a linked list, what is each link in a chain referred to as?

Each link in a linked list is referred to as a node. A node is a fundamental building block of a linked list, containing at least two components: the data it holds and a reference (or pointer) to the next node in the sequence. This structure allows for efficient insertion and deletion of elements, as nodes can easily be rearranged without having to shift other elements, as would be necessary in an array.

While other terms in the options, such as element, item, and pointer, are related to the concept of linked lists, they do not accurately describe the complete structure of each link. "Element" and "item" are more general and can refer to any value in a data structure, while "pointer" specifically refers to the reference that connects nodes but does not encompass the entire node itself. Thus, recognizing that each link in a linked list is termed a node is essential for understanding how linked lists operate and are structured.