What are the differences between B-trees and binary trees?

What are the differences between B-trees and binary trees?

B-trees are balanced tree data structures that maintain sorted data and allow searches, sequential access, insertions, and deletions in logarithmic time. Binary trees, on the other hand, are simpler structures where each node has at most two children, and they can become unbalanced.

Why are B-trees preferred for databases?

B-trees are preferred for databases because they minimize disk I/O operations. Their structure allows for efficient data retrieval and storage, making them ideal for systems that require quick access to large amounts of data.

Can you explain how B-trees maintain balance?

B-trees maintain balance by ensuring that all leaf nodes are at the same depth. When nodes are added or removed, the tree splits or merges nodes to keep the height balanced, which ensures efficient operations.

What are some use cases for binary trees?

Binary trees are commonly used in applications like expression parsing, binary search trees for sorted data, and implementing priority queues.