Join Our 4-Week Free Gen AI Course with select Programs.

Request a callback

or Chat with us on

Exploring B-Tree Variants: B+-Trees, B*-Trees, and Beyond

Basics of Python
Basics of Python
icon
5 Hrs. duration
icon
9 Modules
icon
1800+ Learners
logo
Start Learning

B-trees are an effective data structure for effectively organizing and accessing data. However, what if they could be improved still further? This article will explore the variations of B-tree in data structure that offer better speed and scalability, like B+-trees and B*-trees. 

 

We’ll also discuss B-trees’ potential and how advanced applications utilize them. Do you want to know more? Continue reading to learn the types of binary trees in data structure

 

What is B Tree?

B-Tree is a tailored m-way tree with several applications for disk access. A B-Tree of order m can only contain m children and m-1 keys. One of the main benefits of adopting a B tree in the data structure is its capacity to store huge key values and several keys in a single node while maintaining a relatively short tree height. 

 

An M-way tree’s characteristics are present in a B tree of order m. It also has the following characteristics. 

 

  • A B-Tree has m or fewer children at each node. 
  • There must be a minimum of two nodes in the root nodes. 
  • The level of each leaf node must be the same. 

B-Tree

Although every node needs a m/2 number of nodes, it isn’t essential for them to all have the same number of children. 

 

Significance of B-Tree in Data Storage

The demand for faster access to physical storage mediums such as hard disks led to the development of B-tree. Although they have a greater capacity, backup storage devices are slower. These kinds of data structures that reduce disk access were required. 

 

One key can only be stored in one node of other data structures, like a binary search tree, AVL tree, red-black tree, etc. Such trees grow to enormous heights and take longer to access if you need to store many keys. 

 

On the other hand, B-tree can contain numerous child nodes and store numerous keys in a single node. This drastically reduces the height, enabling quicker disk access. 

 

Introduction to B+-Trees, B*-Trees, and Other Variants

Self-balancing trees that effectively store and retrieve data include B+-trees, B*-trees, and more variations. They work especially well in applications like databases and filesystems, where data is often updated. 

 

The fundamental ideas behind B+ trees and their variations will be covered in this introduction, along with some of the factors that make them so successful. 

 

Don’t know what data structures are? Need to brush up? Check out this article on Data Structures in Java!

 

B+-Tree: Structure and Characteristics

A self-balancing tree data structure known as a B+-tree effectively stores and retrieves data. It is a B-tree variant that works especially well for applications like databases and filesystems, where data is often changed. 

 

Structure:

 

Three nodes comprise a B+-tree: the internal, leaf, and root. The root node, the highest node in the tree, might be an internal or a leaf node. Leaf nodes hold keys and references to data records, whereas internal nodes contain these items for child nodes. 

 

Characteristics:

 

The following features apply to B+-tree in the data structure:

 

  • Since B+ Trees are self-balancing, the tree always keeps its structural equilibrium.
  • The B tree in the data structure comes in multiple levels, meaning every node is accessible at different levels.  
  • The tree can store a lot of info in a little area. 
  • The keys in the tree are arranged in ascending order because they are ordered. 
  • This makes it simple to carry out actions that call for sorted data, such as range queries. 

 

Understanding the Role of Leaf Nodes and Non-Leaf Nodes

In a B+-tree, Leaf nodes are the lowest nodes, while Non-leaf nodes are all the others. Leaf nodes store the real data records. As the sole nodes in a B+ tree with real data, they become the most crucial nodes. 

 

Non-leaf nodes’ function is to direct the search for data records. For this purpose, they keep the keys that distinguish the data entries in the leaf nodes beneath them. This enables the search to rapidly reduce the list of potential places for a particular data record. 

 

Read more about: AVL Trees in data structure

 

Comparing B*-Trees with B+-Trees In terms of Performance & Efficiency

Below is a quick comparison of both the B tree data structure, B+ tree and B- tree:

 

Basis B*-tree B+-tree
Performance Quick and effective when it concerns insertion and deletion Quick and effective when it concerns search and range query
Efficiency Efficient to store vast chunks of data Efficient for storing small volumes of data
Non-Leaf Nodes ⅔ full (minimum) ½ full (minimum)
Flexibility Less Than B+-tree More than B*-tree
DevOps & Cloud Engineering
Internship Assurance
DevOps & Cloud Engineering

Applications of B-Trees

  • It is utilized in sizable databases to access information stored on disks. 
  • Multilevel indexing is possible with the indexing feature. 
  • The majority of servers also leverage the B-tree method. 
  • In CAD systems, B-Trees are used to catalog and search geometric data. 

 

B-Tree

Other applications of B-Trees include encryption, computer networks, and natural language processing. 

 

Learn More: Threaded Binary Tree

 

Limitations of using B-Tree

  • B-Trees can use much disk space because they depend on disk-based data structures. 
  • Not always the greatest option. 
  • Comparatively slow to other data structures. 

 

Conclusion

In this guide, we have covered all about B-tree in detail. The study of B-tree variations is an exciting and developing field. B-tree performance and efficiency improvements face new hurdles when new applications and technology are developed. We can create even more potent and adaptable data structures that can be used to address problems in the future by continuing to investigate these variations. 

 

So, are you interested in B-trees? Want to excel in various types of binary trees in data structure? If so, the Data Science & Analytics course from Hero Vired is an excellent way to start.

 

 

 

FAQs
Make the appropriate B-Tree selection for your application. Leverage the B-Tree variation in a manner that benefits from its advantages. And lastly, maintain balance in the B-Tree as well.
B-trees are a self-sustaining tree data structure that is effective for data storage and retrieval. They work especially well in applications like databases and filesystems, where data is often updated.
Insertion, deletion, and searching are the operations enabled by B trees, and each of these operations has an O(log n) time complexity.
A B-tree is a type of self-balancing search tree where every node can carry multiple keys and have a maximum of two children. This binary search tree has been expanded.
brochureimg

The DevOps Playbook

Simplify deployment with Docker containers.

Streamline development with modern practices.

Enhance efficiency with automated workflows.

left dot patternright dot pattern

Programs tailored for your success

Popular

Management

Data Science

Finance

Technology

Future Tech

Upskill with expert articles

View all
Hero Vired logo
Hero Vired is a leading LearnTech company dedicated to offering cutting-edge programs in collaboration with top-tier global institutions. As part of the esteemed Hero Group, we are committed to revolutionizing the skill development landscape in India. Our programs, delivered by industry experts, are designed to empower professionals and students with the skills they need to thrive in today’s competitive job market.

Data Science

Accelerator Program in Business Analytics & Data Science

Integrated Program in Data Science, AI and ML

Accelerator Program in AI and Machine Learning

Advanced Certification Program in Data Science & Analytics

Technology

Certificate Program in Full Stack Development with Specialization for Web and Mobile

Certificate Program in DevOps and Cloud Engineering

Certificate Program in Application Development

Certificate Program in Cybersecurity Essentials & Risk Assessment

Finance

Integrated Program in Finance and Financial Technologies

Certificate Program in Financial Analysis, Valuation and Risk Management

Management

Certificate Program in Strategic Management and Business Essentials

Executive Program in Product Management

Certificate Program in Product Management

Certificate Program in Technology-enabled Sales

Future Tech

Certificate Program in Gaming & Esports

Certificate Program in Extended Reality (VR+AR)

Professional Diploma in UX Design

Blogs
Reviews
Events
In the News
About Us
Contact us
Learning Hub
18003093939     ·     hello@herovired.com     ·    Whatsapp
Privacy policy and Terms of use

© 2024 Hero Vired. All rights reserved