How do B-trees handle deletions?

Can you explain how B-trees handle deletions?

Sure! In B-trees, deletion involves several steps to maintain balance and order. When a key is deleted, the tree checks if the node has enough keys. If it does, the key is simply removed. If not, it may borrow a key from a sibling or merge with a sibling.

What happens if a node merges with a sibling?

When a node merges with a sibling, the keys from both nodes are combined into one node, and the parent node loses a key. This can cause the parent to also need adjustments, potentially cascading up the tree.

Are there any special cases to consider during deletion?

Yes, special cases include deleting from a leaf node, handling underflows, and ensuring that the tree remains balanced after deletions.

How does this compare to other tree structures?

B-trees are more efficient for disk-based storage compared to binary trees, as they minimize disk accesses. They handle deletions and insertions in a way that keeps the tree balanced, which is crucial for performance.