c - Struggling to form a linked list -

i working on problem involves creating inventory of supermarket stock, , i'm having considerable difficulties. program supposed prompt user input (item name, quantity, weight, , price) , add item sorted (by increasing alphabetical order) database.

so idea create linked list. i've started defining following:

typedef struct item_t item; struct item_t{     char name;     int weight;     int price;     int quantity;     item *next; }; 

so idea i'm going every item has details stored in structure type, , *next point next structure in linked list.

next came this:

void add_new_node_at_end(char *user_input){     new_node = (*item_t)malloc(sizeof(item_t))     if (new_node == null){         printf("memory failure");         exit(exit_failure);     } } 

is correct far?

now, i'm not sure pointer *next when create new node, nor know how change fields of structure. can use new_node.item = 'string' or need malloc field names well?

sorry, might silly question need point me in right direction.

you need 1 global root pointer (item_t* root) , initialize null start of list. single-linked list, point next pointer of new element element pointed @ root, , change root point newly created element.

by doing this, create daisy-chain of elements. end reached when item.next == null .