What are B-trees and how are they used in databases?

What are B-trees and how are they used in databases?

B-trees are a type of self-balancing tree data structure that maintains sorted data and allows for efficient insertion, deletion, and search operations. They are commonly used in databases and file systems to manage large amounts of data.

Can you explain how B-trees differ from binary search trees?

Certainly! B-trees are designed to work well on disk storage, allowing for more children per node, which reduces the height of the tree. This leads to fewer disk accesses compared to binary search trees, which can become unbalanced and require more accesses.

What are the advantages of using B-trees in database indexing?

The advantages include efficient disk I/O, balanced structure for fast searches, and the ability to handle large datasets effectively. B-trees also support range queries well.

Are there any specific use cases where B-trees are preferred?

Yes, B-trees are preferred in scenarios like database indexing, file systems, and applications requiring quick access to large datasets, such as search engines.