triebt

A trie (pronounced "try") is a tree-like data structure used for efficient storage and retrieval of strings, particularly in applications involving dictionaries, autocomplete systems, and prefix-based searches. The term "trie" is derived from the word "retrieval," reflecting its primary function. Introduced by Edward Fredkin and Manku Moayed in 1960, tries are designed to minimize search time for large datasets of strings by leveraging shared prefixes.

In a trie, each node represents a character, and paths from the root to nodes form strings. Child nodes extend these strings, allowing for hierarchical organization. For example, the words "car," "cart," and "care" would share the root node ('c'), then branch into 'a,' 'a,' and 'a' respectively, before diverging further. This structure reduces redundancy by storing common prefixes only once.

Tries excel in scenarios requiring prefix searches, such as spell-checkers or search engines, where partial matches (e.g., "cat" matching "category") are common. They also enable efficient insertion and deletion operations, though they can consume significant memory due to their branching nature. Variations like compressed tries (radix trees) optimize space by merging nodes with single children.

Common applications include autocomplete features in search bars, IP routing in networks, and dictionary implementations. While tries offer speed advantages for string operations, alternatives like hash tables or suffix arrays may be preferred depending on the use case, balancing trade-offs between time and space complexity.