Inserting a node into a binary search tree (BST) involves placing the new node in the correct position to maintain the BST property: for any given node, all nodes in its left subtree have smaller values, and all nodes in its right subtree have larger values.
Insertion Process
Start at the Root:
- Begin the insertion process at the root of the BST.
Compare the New Node’s Value:
- Compare the value of the new node with the value of the current node.
Traverse the Tree:
- If the new node's value is less than the current node’s value:
- Move to the left child of the current node.
- Repeat the comparison and traversal steps until you find a suitable position (i.e., an empty spot where the left child is
null
).
- If the new node’s value is greater than or equal to the current node’s value:
- Move to the right child of the current node.
- Repeat the comparison and traversal steps until you find a suitable position (i.e., an empty spot where the right child is
null
).
Insert the New Node:
- Once you find an appropriate spot (a
null
child), insert the new node at this position. - The new node becomes the left or right child of the node where you stopped.