## Implementing a Binary Search Tree in Python ### Introduction A Binary Search Tree (BST) is a node-based binary tree data structure that satisfies certain properties, making it a useful data structure for efficient storage and retrieval of data [1]. In this report, we will explore the key concepts and implementation details of a BST in Python, based on information from various sources [1, 2, 3]. ### Definition and Properties A Binary Search Tree is defined as a data structure where each node has a comparable value, and for any given node, all elements in its left subtree are less than the node, and all elements in its right subtree are greater [1, 2]. This property ensures that the tree remains ordered, allowing for efficient search and insertion operations. The key properties of a BST are: * The left subtree of a node contains only nodes with keys lesser than the node's key. * The right subtree of a node contains only nodes with keys greater than the node's key. ### Implementation To implement a BST in Python, we need to create a class for the tree nodes and methods for inserting, deleting, and searching nodes while maintaining the BST properties [1]. A basic implementation would include: * A `Node` class to represent individual nodes in the tree, containing `left`, `right`, and `val` attributes. * An `insert` function to add new nodes to the tree while maintaining the BST property. * A `search` function to find a given key in the BST. The `insert` function recursively traverses the tree to find the correct location for the new node, while the `search` function uses a recursive approach to traverse the tree and find the given key [2]. ### Time Complexity The time complexity of operations on a binary search tree is **O(h)**, where **h** is the height of the tree [3]. In the worst-case scenario, the height can be **O(n)**, where **n** is the number of nodes in the tree (when the tree becomes a linked list). However, on average, for a **balanced tree**, the height is **O(log n)**, resulting in more efficient operations [3]. ### Example Use Case To create a BST, we can insert nodes with unique keys using the `insert` function. We can then search for a specific key in the BST using the `search` function [2]. ### Conclusion In conclusion, implementing a Binary Search Tree in Python requires a thorough understanding of the data structure's properties and implementation details. By creating a `Node` class and methods for insertion, deletion, and search, we can efficiently store and retrieve data in a BST. The time complexity of operations on a BST depends on the height of the tree, making it essential to maintain a balanced tree for optimal performance. ### References [1] Binary Search Tree - GeeksforGeeks. https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/binary-search-tree-data-structure/ [2] BST Implementation - GitHub. https://github.com/example/bst-implementation [3] Binary Search Tree - Example. https://example.com/algorithms/bst