021_merge_two_sorted_lists.py

'''
21. Merge Two Sorted Lists

Merge two sorted linked lists and return it as a new list. The new list should be made by splicing together the nodes of the first two lists.

Example:

Input: 1->2->4, 1->3->4
Output: 1->1->2->3->4->4
'''

# Definition for singly-linked list.
# class ListNode:
#     def __init__(self, val=0, next=None):
#         self.val = val
#         self.next = next


class Solution:
    # iteratively
    def mergeTwoLists(self, l1, l2):
        dummy = cur = ListNode(0)
        while l1 and l2:
            if l1.val < l2.val:
                cur.next = l1
                l1 = l1.next
            else:
                cur.next = l2
                l2 = l2.next
            cur = cur.next
        cur.next = l1 or l2
        return dummy.next

# recursively
    def mergeTwoLists2(self, l1, l2):
        if not l1 or not l2:
            return l1 or l2
        if l1.val < l2.val:
            l1.next = self.mergeTwoLists2(l1.next, l2)
            return l1
        else:
            l2.next = self.mergeTwoLists2(l1, l2.next)
            return l2


if __name__ == '__main__':
    s = Solution()
    print(s.mergeTwoLists((1 -> 2 -> 4), (1 -> 3 -> 4)))