DATA STRUCTURES PROGRAM • TREES & BINARY SEARCH TREES
Traverse a Binary Tree Inorder Iteratively
Learn how to traverse a binary tree inorder iteratively using a clear C program.
PROBLEM UNDERSTANDING
Input and expected output
Sample input
No input required
Sample output
4 2 5 1 6 3 7
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 main(void)
{
struct TreeNode *root = sample_tree();
struct TreeNode *stack[20], *current = root;
int top = -1;
while (current != NULL || top >= 0) {
while (current != NULL) { stack[++top] = current; current = current->left; }
current = stack[top--];
printf("%d ", current->data);
current = current->right;
}
putchar('\n');
free_tree(root);
return 0;
}CURRENT STEP
SELECTED LINE
EXPECTED OUTPUT FOR THE SAMPLE
4 2 5 1 6 3 7
Step 0 of 0
PROGRAM EXPLANATION
Algorithm and explanation
- Read the required input values.
- Use an explicit stack to remember ancestors while descending left.
- Display the computed result.
Use an explicit stack to remember ancestors while descending left.
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.
