Leetcode #109: Convert Sorted List to Binary Search Tree
In this guide, we solve Leetcode #109 Convert Sorted List to Binary Search Tree in Python and focus on the core idea that makes the solution efficient.
You will see the intuition, the step-by-step method, and a clean Python implementation you can use in interviews.
Problem Statement
Given the head of a singly linked list where elements are sorted in ascending order, convert it to a height-balanced binary search tree. Example 1: Input: head = [-10,-3,0,5,9] Output: [0,-3,9,-10,null,5] Explanation: One possible answer is [0,-3,9,-10,null,5], which represents the shown height balanced BST.
Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Medium
- Premium: No
- Tags: Tree, Binary Search Tree, Linked List, Divide and Conquer, Binary Tree
Intuition
The input is a tree, so recursive decomposition is a natural fit.
We can compute the answer by combining results from left and right subtrees.
Approach
Use DFS and pass the required state through recursive calls.
Combine child results to compute the answer for each node.
Steps:
- Pick traversal order.
- Recurse with state.
- Combine results from children.
Example
Input: head = [-10,-3,0,5,9]
Output: [0,-3,9,-10,null,5]
Explanation: One possible answer is [0,-3,9,-10,null,5], which represents the shown height balanced BST.
Python Solution
# Definition for singly-linked list.
# class ListNode:
# def __init__(self, val=0, next=None):
# self.val = val
# self.next = next
# Definition for a binary tree node.
# class TreeNode:
# def __init__(self, val=0, left=None, right=None):
# self.val = val
# self.left = left
# self.right = right
class Solution:
def sortedListToBST(self, head: Optional[ListNode]) -> Optional[TreeNode]:
def dfs(i: int, j: int) -> Optional[TreeNode]:
if i > j:
return None
mid = (i + j) >> 1
l, r = dfs(i, mid - 1), dfs(mid + 1, j)
return TreeNode(nums[mid], l, r)
nums = []
while head:
nums.append(head.val)
head = head.next
return dfs(0, len(nums) - 1)
Complexity
The time complexity is , and the space complexity is . The space complexity is .
Edge Cases and Pitfalls
Watch for boundary values, empty inputs, and duplicate values where applicable. If the problem involves ordering or constraints, confirm the invariant is preserved at every step.
Summary
This Python solution focuses on the essential structure of the problem and keeps the implementation interview-friendly while meeting the constraints.