Create Binary Tree From Descriptions

The problem asks us to construct a binary tree from a given 2D array of descriptions, where each description contains information about the parent, child, and whether the child is a left or right child.

Here’s an approach we can use to create the binary tree:

  1. Create a dictionary to map each node value to its corresponding TreeNode object.
  2. Iterate through the descriptions, and for each parent-child relationship, connect them accordingly. Also, identify the root node by keeping track of all child nodes.
  3. Return the root of the tree.

Here’s the code to do that:

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class Solution:
    def createBinaryTree(self, descriptions: List[List[int]]) -> Optional[TreeNode]:
        # Dictionary to map node value to TreeNode object
        nodes = {}
        # Set to keep track of child nodes
        child_nodes = set()

        # Iterate through descriptions and create nodes
        for parent, child, isLeft in descriptions:
            # Get or create parent node
            parent_node = nodes.get(parent)
            if parent_node is None:
                parent_node = TreeNode(parent)
                nodes[parent] = parent_node

            # Get or create child node
            child_node = nodes.get(child)
            if child_node is None:
                child_node = TreeNode(child)
                nodes[child] = child_node

            # Set child node as left or right child of parent node
            if isLeft == 1:
                parent_node.left = child_node
            else:
                parent_node.right = child_node

            # Add child to child_nodes set
            child_nodes.add(child)

        # Find the root by identifying the node that is not a child
        for node_value, node in nodes.items():
            if node_value not in child_nodes:
                return node

        return None

This code constructs the binary tree as described by the given descriptions array and returns the root of the tree.

Identifying Problem Isomorphism

“2196. Create Binary Tree From Descriptions” is approximately isomorphic to “Construct Binary Tree from Preorder and Inorder Traversal”.

Both problems involve the construction of a binary tree, albeit from different types of inputs. In “Construct Binary Tree from Preorder and Inorder Traversal”, you’re given two arrays representing the preorder and inorder traversals of a binary tree, and your task is to rebuild the tree from these traversals.

“2196. Create Binary Tree From Descriptions” gives you a set of parent-child relationships and requires you to construct the tree based on these relationships. Each entry in the descriptions array consists of the parent node value, child node value, and a flag indicating whether the child is a left or right child.

The crux of both problems lies in figuring out how to arrange the nodes to form a valid binary tree. This is what makes them conceptually similar. Both require a good understanding of binary trees and how they can be represented or reconstructed from different types of data.

However, the implementation details differ significantly due to the nature of the inputs. In the first problem, you rely on the properties of preorder and inorder traversals, while in the second, you have to correctly interpret the parent-child relationships.

“Construct Binary Tree from Preorder and Inorder Traversal” is simpler because it uses standard tree traversal methods. “2196. Create Binary Tree From Descriptions” is likely more complex due to the need to interpret the descriptions array and handle cases of left and right children. But the actual difficulty can vary depending on your familiarity with these concepts and your problem-solving skills.

10 Prerequisite LeetCode Problems

For “2196. Create Binary Tree From Descriptions”, the following are a good preparation:

  1. “1008. Construct Binary Search Tree from Preorder Traversal” - It helps in understanding how to construct a binary tree from a given order traversal which is a fundamental aspect in solving the problem.

  2. “105. Construct Binary Tree from Preorder and Inorder Traversal” - This problem provides the foundation on how to construct a tree given certain traversals.

  3. “106. Construct Binary Tree from Inorder and Postorder Traversal” - Similar to problem 105, it teaches constructing a binary tree from given traversals.

  4. “108. Convert Sorted Array to Binary Search Tree” - It deals with creating a binary tree from a sorted array. Understanding how elements are positioned will be useful.

  5. “1161. Maximum Level Sum of a Binary Tree” - It gives practice on traversing through a binary tree, which can aid in understanding the positioning of nodes.

  6. “958. Check Completeness of a Binary Tree” - This problem helps in understanding the property of complete binary trees.

  7. “114. Flatten Binary Tree to Linked List” - Understanding the tree to linked list conversion can broaden the perspective on tree manipulations.

  8. “222. Count Complete Tree Nodes” - This problem helps in understanding and calculating the number of nodes in a complete binary tree.

  9. “450. Delete Node in a Binary Search Tree” - This problem provides insight into how the structure of a binary tree changes when a node is removed.

  10. “701. Insert into a Binary Search Tree” - This problem deals with adding a node to the binary tree, which is quite relevant.

These cover understanding and constructing a binary tree, manipulating binary trees, traversing binary trees, and dealing with properties of specific binary trees, which will be useful for problem 2196.

Problem Classification

Problem Statement:You are given a 2D integer array descriptions where descriptions[i] = [parenti, childi, isLefti] indicates that parenti is the parent of childi in a binary tree of unique values. Furthermore,

If isLefti == 1, then childi is the left child of parenti. If isLefti == 0, then childi is the right child of parenti. Construct the binary tree described by descriptions and return its root.

The test cases will be generated such that the binary tree is valid.

Example 1:

Input: descriptions = [[20,15,1],[20,17,0],[50,20,1],[50,80,0],[80,19,1]] Output: [50,20,80,15,17,19] Explanation: The root node is the node with value 50 since it has no parent. The resulting binary tree is shown in the diagram.

Example 2:

Input: descriptions = [[1,2,1],[2,3,0],[3,4,1]] Output: [1,2,null,null,3,4] Explanation: The root node is the node with value 1 since it has no parent. The resulting binary tree is shown in the diagram.

Constraints:

1 <= descriptions.length <= 104 descriptions[i].length == 3 1 <= parenti, childi <= 105 0 <= isLefti <= 1 The binary tree described by descriptions is valid.

Analyze the provided problem statement. Categorize it based on its domain, ignoring ‘How’ it might be solved. Identify and list out the ‘What’ components. Based on these, further classify the problem. Explain your categorizations.

Clarification Questions

What are the clarification questions we can ask about this problem?

Identifying Problem Isomorphism

Can you help me with finding the isomorphism for this problem?

Which problem does this problem map to the corresponding isomorphic problem on Leetcode ?

How did you identify that this problem is a variation of problem?

Problem Analysis and Key Insights

What are the key insights from analyzing the problem statement?

Problem Boundary

What is the scope of this problem?

How to establish the boundary of this problem?

Distilling the Problem to Its Core Elements

Can you identify the fundamental concept or principle this problem is based upon? Please explain. What is the simplest way you would describe this problem to someone unfamiliar with the subject? What is the core problem we are trying to solve? Can we simplify the problem statement? Can you break down the problem into its key components? What is the minimal set of operations we need to perform to solve this problem?

Visual Model of the Problem

How to visualize the problem statement for this problem?

Problem Restatement

Could you start by paraphrasing the problem statement in your own words? Try to distill the problem into its essential elements and make sure to clarify the requirements and constraints. This exercise should aid in understanding the problem better and aligning our thought process before jumping into solving it.

Abstract Representation of the Problem

Could you help me formulate an abstract representation of this problem?

Given this problem, how can we describe it in an abstract way that emphasizes the structure and key elements, without the specific real-world details?

Terminology

Are there any specialized terms, jargon, or technical concepts that are crucial to understanding this problem or solution? Could you define them and explain their role within the context of this problem?

Problem Simplification and Explanation

Could you please break down this problem into simpler terms? What are the key concepts involved and how do they interact? Can you also provide a metaphor or analogy to help me understand the problem better?

Constraints

Given the problem statement and the constraints provided, identify specific characteristics or conditions that can be exploited to our advantage in finding an efficient solution. Look for patterns or specific numerical ranges that could be useful in manipulating or interpreting the data.

What are the key insights from analyzing the constraints?

Case Analysis

Could you please provide additional examples or test cases that cover a wider range of the input space, including edge and boundary conditions? In doing so, could you also analyze each example to highlight different aspects of the problem, key constraints and potential pitfalls, as well as the reasoning behind the expected output for each case? This should help in generating key insights about the problem and ensuring the solution is robust and handles all possible scenarios.

Provide names by categorizing these cases

What are the edge cases?

How to visualize these cases?

What are the key insights from analyzing the different cases?

Identification of Applicable Theoretical Concepts

Can you identify any mathematical or algorithmic concepts or properties that can be applied to simplify the problem or make it more manageable? Think about the nature of the operations or manipulations required by the problem statement. Are there existing theories, metrics, or methodologies in mathematics, computer science, or related fields that can be applied to calculate, measure, or perform these operations more effectively or efficiently?

Simple Explanation

Can you explain this problem in simple terms or like you would explain to a non-technical person? Imagine you’re explaining this problem to someone without a background in programming. How would you describe it? If you had to explain this problem to a child or someone who doesn’t know anything about coding, how would you do it? In layman’s terms, how would you explain the concept of this problem? Could you provide a metaphor or everyday example to explain the idea of this problem?

Problem Breakdown and Solution Methodology

Given the problem statement, can you explain in detail how you would approach solving it? Please break down the process into smaller steps, illustrating how each step contributes to the overall solution. If applicable, consider using metaphors, analogies, or visual representations to make your explanation more intuitive. After explaining the process, can you also discuss how specific operations or changes in the problem’s parameters would affect the solution? Lastly, demonstrate the workings of your approach using one or more example cases.

Inference of Problem-Solving Approach from the Problem Statement

Can you identify the key terms or concepts in this problem and explain how they inform your approach to solving it? Please list each keyword and how it guides you towards using a specific strategy or method. How can I recognize these properties by drawing tables or diagrams?

How did you infer from the problem statement that this problem can be solved using ?

Simple Explanation of the Proof

I’m having trouble understanding the proof of this algorithm. Could you explain it in a way that’s easy to understand?

Stepwise Refinement

  1. Could you please provide a stepwise refinement of our approach to solving this problem?

  2. How can we take the high-level solution approach and distill it into more granular, actionable steps?

  3. Could you identify any parts of the problem that can be solved independently?

  4. Are there any repeatable patterns within our solution?

Solution Approach and Analysis

Given the problem statement, can you explain in detail how you would approach solving it? Please break down the process into smaller steps, illustrating how each step contributes to the overall solution. If applicable, consider using metaphors, analogies, or visual representations to make your explanation more intuitive. After explaining the process, can you also discuss how specific operations or changes in the problem’s parameters would affect the solution? Lastly, demonstrate the workings of your approach using one or more example cases.

Identify Invariant

What is the invariant in this problem?

Identify Loop Invariant

What is the loop invariant in this problem?

Is invariant and loop invariant the same for this problem?

Thought Process

Can you explain the basic thought process and steps involved in solving this type of problem?

Explain the thought process by thinking step by step to solve this problem from the problem statement and code the final solution. Write code in Python3. What are the cues in the problem statement? What direction does it suggest in the approach to the problem? Generate insights about the problem statement.

Establishing Preconditions and Postconditions

  1. Parameters:

    • What are the inputs to the method?
    • What types are these parameters?
    • What do these parameters represent in the context of the problem?

  2. Preconditions:

    • Before this method is called, what must be true about the state of the program or the values of the parameters?
    • Are there any constraints on the input parameters?
    • Is there a specific state that the program or some part of it must be in?

  3. Method Functionality:

    • What is this method expected to do?
    • How does it interact with the inputs and the current state of the program?

  4. Postconditions:

    • After the method has been called and has returned, what is now true about the state of the program or the values of the parameters?
    • What does the return value represent or indicate?
    • What side effects, if any, does the method have?

  5. Error Handling:

    • How does the method respond if the preconditions are not met?
    • Does it throw an exception, return a special value, or do something else?

Problem Decomposition

  1. Problem Understanding:

    • Can you explain the problem in your own words? What are the key components and requirements?

  2. Initial Breakdown:

    • Start by identifying the major parts or stages of the problem. How can you break the problem into several broad subproblems?

  3. Subproblem Refinement:

    • For each subproblem identified, ask yourself if it can be further broken down. What are the smaller tasks that need to be done to solve each subproblem?

  4. Task Identification:

    • Within these smaller tasks, are there any that are repeated or very similar? Could these be generalized into a single, reusable task?

  5. Task Abstraction:

    • For each task you’ve identified, is it abstracted enough to be clear and reusable, but still makes sense in the context of the problem?

  6. Method Naming:

    • Can you give each task a simple, descriptive name that makes its purpose clear?

  7. Subproblem Interactions:

    • How do these subproblems or tasks interact with each other? In what order do they need to be performed? Are there any dependencies?

From Brute Force to Optimal Solution

Could you please begin by illustrating a brute force solution for this problem? After detailing and discussing the inefficiencies of the brute force approach, could you then guide us through the process of optimizing this solution? Please explain each step towards optimization, discussing the reasoning behind each decision made, and how it improves upon the previous solution. Also, could you show how these optimizations impact the time and space complexity of our solution?

Code Explanation and Design Decisions

  1. Identify the initial parameters and explain their significance in the context of the problem statement or the solution domain.

  2. Discuss the primary loop or iteration over the input data. What does each iteration represent in terms of the problem you’re trying to solve? How does the iteration advance or contribute to the solution?

  3. If there are conditions or branches within the loop, what do these conditions signify? Explain the logical reasoning behind the branching in the context of the problem’s constraints or requirements.

  4. If there are updates or modifications to parameters within the loop, clarify why these changes are necessary. How do these modifications reflect changes in the state of the solution or the constraints of the problem?

  5. Describe any invariant that’s maintained throughout the code, and explain how it helps meet the problem’s constraints or objectives.

  6. Discuss the significance of the final output in relation to the problem statement or solution domain. What does it represent and how does it satisfy the problem’s requirements?

Remember, the focus here is not to explain what the code does on a syntactic level, but to communicate the intent and rationale behind the code in the context of the problem being solved.

Coding Constructs

Consider the code for the solution of this problem.

  1. What are the high-level problem-solving strategies or techniques being used by this code?

  2. If you had to explain the purpose of this code to a non-programmer, what would you say?

  3. Can you identify the logical elements or constructs used in this code, independent of any programming language?

  4. Could you describe the algorithmic approach used by this code in plain English?

  5. What are the key steps or operations this code is performing on the input data, and why?

  6. Can you identify the algorithmic patterns or strategies used by this code, irrespective of the specific programming language syntax?

Language Agnostic Coding Drills

Your mission is to deconstruct this code into the smallest possible learning units, each corresponding to a separate coding concept. Consider these concepts as unique coding drills that can be individually implemented and later assembled into the final solution.

  1. Dissect the code and identify each distinct concept it contains. Remember, this process should be language-agnostic and generally applicable to most modern programming languages.

  2. Once you’ve identified these coding concepts or drills, list them out in order of increasing difficulty. Provide a brief description of each concept and why it is classified at its particular difficulty level.

  3. Next, describe the problem-solving approach that would lead from the problem statement to the final solution. Think about how each of these coding drills contributes to the overall solution. Elucidate the step-by-step process involved in using these drills to solve the problem. Please refrain from writing any actual code; we’re focusing on understanding the process and strategy.

Targeted Drills in Python

Now that you’ve identified and ordered the coding concepts from a complex software code in the previous exercise, let’s focus on creating Python-based coding drills for each of those concepts.

  1. Begin by writing a separate piece of Python code that encapsulates each identified concept. These individual drills should illustrate how to implement each concept in Python. Please ensure that these are suitable even for those with a basic understanding of Python.

  2. In addition to the general concepts, identify and write coding drills for any problem-specific concepts that might be needed to create a solution. Describe why these drills are essential for our problem.

  3. Once all drills have been coded, describe how these pieces can be integrated together in the right order to solve the initial problem. Each drill should contribute to building up to the final solution.

Remember, the goal is to not only to write these drills but also to ensure that they can be cohesively assembled into one comprehensive solution.

Q&A

Similar Problems

Can you suggest 10 problems from LeetCode that require similar problem-solving strategies or use similar underlying concepts as the problem we’ve just solved? These problems can be from any domain or topic, but they should involve similar steps or techniques in the solution process. Also, please briefly explain why you consider each of these problems to be related to our original problem. The response text is of the following format:

Here are 10 problems that use similar underlying concepts: