What are the best techniques for inserting elements into a binary search tree?

What are the best techniques for inserting elements into a binary search tree?

The best techniques for inserting elements into a binary search tree (BST) include recursive insertion and iterative insertion. Would you like to know more about how each technique works?

Yes, please explain the recursive insertion technique.

In recursive insertion, you start at the root and compare the value to be inserted with the current node's value. If it's smaller, you move to the left child; if it's larger, you move to the right child. You repeat this process until you find a null position where the new node can be inserted.

What about the iterative insertion technique?

In iterative insertion, you use a loop to traverse the tree. You keep track of the current node and its parent. When you find the correct null position, you insert the new node as a child of the parent node. This method can be more efficient in terms of memory usage.

Are there any specific cases where one technique is preferred over the other?

Yes, recursive insertion can be simpler to implement and understand, but it may lead to stack overflow for very deep trees. Iterative insertion is generally more efficient in terms of space, especially for large trees.