DATA STRUCTURES PROGRAM • TREES & BINARY SEARCH TREES
Check Whether Two Binary Trees Are Identical
Learn how to check whether two binary trees are identical using a clear C program.
PROBLEM UNDERSTANDING
Input and expected output
Sample input
No input required
Sample output
Trees are identical.
COMPLETE C PROGRAM
Complete C implementation
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
struct TreeNode { int data; struct TreeNode *left; struct TreeNode *right; };
struct TreeNode *new_node(int value)
{
struct TreeNode *node = malloc(sizeof *node);
if (node == NULL) exit(EXIT_FAILURE);
node->data = value; node->left = NULL; node->right = NULL;
return node;
}
struct TreeNode *sample_tree(void)
{
struct TreeNode *root = new_node(1);
root->left = new_node(2); root->right = new_node(3);
root->left->left = new_node(4); root->left->right = new_node(5);
root->right->left = new_node(6); root->right->right = new_node(7);
return root;
}
void free_tree(struct TreeNode *root)
{
if (root == NULL) return;
free_tree(root->left); free_tree(root->right); free(root);
}
int identical(struct TreeNode *first, struct TreeNode *second)
{
if (first == NULL || second == NULL) return first == second;
return first->data == second->data &&
identical(first->left, second->left) &&
identical(first->right, second->right);
}
int main(void)
{
struct TreeNode *first = sample_tree();
struct TreeNode *second = sample_tree();
puts(identical(first, second) ? "Trees are identical." : "Trees differ.");
free_tree(first); free_tree(second);
return 0;
}CURRENT STEP
SELECTED LINE
EXPECTED OUTPUT FOR THE SAMPLE
Trees are identical.
Step 0 of 0
PROGRAM EXPLANATION
Algorithm and explanation
- Read the required input values.
- Require equal values and identical left and right subtree structure at every position.
- Display the computed result.
Require equal values and identical left and right subtree structure at every position.
EFFICIENCY
Time and space complexity
Time complexity
O(n)
Auxiliary space
O(h)
DEBUGGING CHECKLIST
Common mistakes
Check this
Use the correct format specifier for every variable.
Check this
Initialize variables before using their values.
Check this
Check braces, semicolons and input order carefully.
Try it yourself
Practice: Run the program with the sample input, predict its output, and then test one boundary case of your own.
