What are the use cases of binary search trees in C++?

What are the use cases of binary search trees in C++?

Binary search trees (BSTs) are used for efficient searching, sorting, and maintaining a dynamic dataset. Common use cases include implementing databases, memory management, and priority queues.

Can you explain how they improve search efficiency?

Certainly! BSTs allow for average-case time complexity of O(log n) for search operations, making them much faster than linear search methods.

What are some real-world applications of BSTs?

Real-world applications include databases for quick data retrieval, file systems for organizing files, and in algorithms like Huffman coding.

Are there any drawbacks to using binary search trees?

Yes, BSTs can become unbalanced, leading to O(n) time complexity for operations. Self-balancing trees like AVL or Red-Black trees can mitigate this.

How do I implement a binary search tree in C++?

You can implement a BST in C++ by creating a Node structure and defining functions for insertion, deletion, and traversal.