Tree Data Structure
A tree data structure is a hierarchical, non-linear data structure consisting of nodes connected by edges, with a single root node at the top and child nodes branching downwards. It is widely used in computer science to represent hierarchical relationships, such as file systems, organizational charts, and decision-making processes. Trees enable efficient operations like searching, insertion, and deletion, with common types including binary trees, AVL trees, and B-trees.
Developers should learn tree data structures when dealing with hierarchical data, such as in databases for indexing (e.g., B-trees), file systems, or algorithms like parsing expressions and implementing search trees (e.g., binary search trees). They are essential for optimizing performance in scenarios requiring ordered data storage, fast lookups, and recursive problem-solving, such as in machine learning decision trees or network routing protocols.