Prefix trees for ultra-fast string searching and autocomplete features.
Theory
Code
Theory & Description
A trie (pronounced 'try'), also called a prefix tree, is a tree-like data structure used to store a dynamic set of strings. Each node represents a single character, and paths from root to marked nodes form complete words. Tries excel at prefix-based operations, making them ideal for autocomplete systems, spell checkers, and IP routing tables. They trade space for speed, providing O(m) operations where m is the length of the key.
Common Use Cases
- Autocomplete and typeahead suggestions
- Spell checking and correction
- IP routing (longest prefix matching)
- Word games and dictionary lookups
Complexity Cheat Sheet
| Operation | Average | Worst |
|---|---|---|
| Search | O(m) | O(m) |
| Insert | O(m) | O(m) |
| Delete | O(m) | O(m) |
| Prefix Search | O(m + k) | O(m + k) |
| Space Complexity | O(n * m) | |
Visualization
Problems
Interactive Visualization
Interactive Visualization
An interactive playground for Tries will appear here. Insert elements, step through operations, and watch the data structure update in real time.