Binary Search Tree vs AVL Tree

What are the main differences between a binary search tree and an AVL tree?

A binary search tree (BST) allows for efficient searching, insertion, and deletion, but it can become unbalanced. An AVL tree is a self-balancing BST that maintains a strict balance, ensuring O(log n) time complexity for operations.

Why is balancing important in trees?

Balancing is crucial because it ensures that the tree remains efficient for operations like search, insert, and delete. An unbalanced tree can degrade to a linked list, leading to O(n) time complexity.

Can you give an example of when to use an AVL tree over a binary search tree?

Use an AVL tree when you need frequent insertions and deletions, and you want to maintain fast search times. For example, in applications like databases where data is constantly changing.

What are the drawbacks of using an AVL tree?

The main drawbacks of AVL trees are the overhead of maintaining balance during insertions and deletions, which can make these operations slower compared to a simple BST.