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A '''binary tree''' is one of the [[fundamentalism|fundamental]] [[data structure]]s of [[computer science]], along with the [[array]], the [[index]], and the [[look-up table]]. The primary distinguishing features of a binary tree data structure are that it is tree-shaped, and that it consists solely of [[binary]] data (therefore the binary tree, unlike the list and the hash, is a ''homogeneous'' data structure).

A '''binary tree''' is one of the fundamental [[data structure]]s of [[computer science]], along with the [[array]], the [[index]], and the [[look-up table]]. The primary distinguishing features of a binary tree data structure are that it is tree-shaped, and that it consists solely of [[binary]] data (therefore the binary tree, unlike the list and the hash, is a ''homogeneous'' data structure).

==Applications==

==Applications==

Binary trees are traditionally used in the implementation of [[Huffman encoding]]. They are also used in the [[sorting]] algorithms [[heapsort]] and [[mergesort]]. Certain complex algorithms, such as [[MapReduce]], also make heavy use of binary trees. Finally, the binary tree can be used to represent certain dynamic processes, such as the distribution pattern of a file in a [[peer-to-peer]] network or the [[genealology|genealological]] history of a person who is the product of a long line of two-parent families.

Binary trees are traditionally used in the implementation of [[Huffman encoding]]. They are also used in the [[sorting]] algorithms [[heapsort]] and [[mergesort]]. Certain complex algorithms, such as [[MapReduce]], also make heavy use of binary trees. Finally, the binary tree can be used to represent certain dynamic processes, such as the distribution pattern of a file in a [[peer-to-peer]] network or the [[genealogy|genealogical]] history of a person who is the product of a long line of two-parent families.

[[Category:Data structures]]

[[Category:Data structures]]