Introduction to
Binary Search
Trees
Binary Search Trees (BSTs) are a fundamental data structure in
computer science. They organize data in a hierarchical, tree-like
fashion, allowing for efficient searching, insertion, and deletion
operations.
by Gaurav Dhamija and krishna gulati
Key Principles of Binary
Search Trees
1 Ordered Structure 2 Efficient Lookups
Each node in a BST has a The structure of a BST allows for
unique key, and the tree is fast lookup times, with an
organized such that all keys in average time complexity of
the left subtree are less than O(log n) for search, insert, and
the root, and all keys in the delete operations.
right subtree are greater than
the root.
3 Dynamic Resizing
BSTs can grow and shrink dynamically, making them highly flexible and
adaptable data structures for a wide range of applications.
Time Complexity of Binary
Search Tree Operations
1 Search
O(log n) on average, O(n) in the worst case (highly unbalanced tree).
2 Insert
O(log n) on average, O(n) in the worst case (highly unbalanced tree).
3 Delete
O(log n) on average, O(n) in the worst case (highly unbalanced tree).
Advantages of Binary Search Trees
Efficient Searching Ordered Data Storage Dynamic Resizing
BSTs allow for fast, The hierarchical structure BSTs can grow and shrink
logarithmic-time searches, of BSTs keeps data dynamically, adapting to
making them ideal for organized in a way that the changing needs of the
applications that require makes it easy to traverse application without the
frequent data lookups. and manipulate. need for manual resizing.
Use Cases for Binary Search Trees
File Systems Database Indexing
BSTs are often used to represent the BSTs are commonly used as the
hierarchical structure of file systems, underlying data structure for database
allowing for efficient navigation and indices, enabling fast lookups and range
management of directories and files. queries.
Discrete Optimization Compiler Design
BSTs can be used to solve optimization BSTs are used in compiler design to
problems, such as finding the k-th represent and manipulate abstract
smallest element or the closest pair of syntax trees, which are crucial for code
points. analysis and transformation.
Implementing Binary Search
Trees in Code
Node Insertion Lookup Deletion
The basic building The process of The efficient The process of
block of a BST, adding a new node process of finding a removing a node
containing a key to the tree, while node with a from the tree, while
and references to maintaining the specific key in the preserving the BST
its left and right BST property. tree. property.
child nodes.
Traversing Binary Search Trees
In-order Traversal
Visits the left subtree, then the root, and finally the right subtree,
resulting in a sorted sequence of nodes.
Pre-order Traversal
Visits the root, then the left subtree, and finally the right subtree,
useful for recreating the tree structure.
Post-order Traversal
Visits the left subtree, then the right subtree, and finally the root,
useful for deleting the tree.
Conclusion and Summary
Binary Search Trees are a powerful and versatile data structure
that offer efficient searching, insertion, and deletion operations.
They are widely used in a variety of applications, from file
systems to database indices and compiler design.
