Final answer:
The question involves performing operations on a singly linked list, including updating pointers, swapping data, reversing the list, and deleting the last element, each of which requires an understanding of computer science concepts like pointers and dynamic memory management.
Step-by-step explanation:
Operations on a Singly Linked List
To modify a singly linked list as described, we need to perform several operations:
a) Update the first element's pointer
To update the first element's pointer, we typically change what the head pointer is pointing to. However, since singly linked lists do not typically keep a pointer to the last element, this part of the question may be misphrased. Assuming it means updating the next pointer of the first element, it would involve setting the current first element's next pointer to point to a different node, if required.
b) Swap the data of the first and last elements
To swap the data, you need to traverse the linked list to find the last node. Once you have pointers to both the first and last nodes, you can exchange the data values without altering the node pointers.
c) Reverse the order of elements
To reverse the order of elements in a linked list, you will need to iterate through the list and reverse the next pointers of each node so that they point to the previous node instead of the next node.
d) Delete the last element
To delete the last element, you must first find the penultimate node (the node before the last node). Then, change its next pointer to null and free the memory allocated for the last node.
Each of these operations requires an understanding of pointers and dynamic memory management which are fundamental computer science concepts.