Serialize and Deserialize N-ary Tree — LeetCode 428 Python Solution

HardLeetCode PremiumTreeDepth-First SearchBreadth-First SearchString
Problem
#428
Reading time
2 min

The problem

Serialization is the process of converting a data structure or object into a sequence of bits so that it can be stored in a file or memory buffer, or transmitted across a network connection link to be reconstructed later in the same or another computer environment. Design an algorithm to serialize and deserialize an N-ary tree.

Example

Input
root = [1,null,2,3,4,5,null,null,6,7,null,8,null,9,10,null,null,11,null,12,null,13,null,null,14]
Output
[1,null,2,3,4,5,null,null,6,7,null,8,null,9,10,null,null,11,null,12,null,13,null,null,14]

Complexity

MeasureComplexity
TimeO(V+E)
SpaceO(V) auxiliary

Pattern: Tree Traversal

Choose the order — preorder, inorder, postorder, level — and the problem solves itself. LeetCode 428. Serialize and Deserialize N-ary Tree is filed here because LeetCode tags it Tree, which is the vocabulary this hub collects.

The tree traversal guide has the Python template for the pattern and the 225 LeetCode problems that use it.

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Frequently asked questions

How hard is LeetCode 428. Serialize and Deserialize N-ary Tree?
LeetCode 428. Serialize and Deserialize N-ary Tree is rated Hard on LeetCode.
What is the time complexity of LeetCode 428. Serialize and Deserialize N-ary Tree?
The Python solution on this page runs in O(V+E).
What is the space complexity of LeetCode 428. Serialize and Deserialize N-ary Tree?
The Python solution on this page uses O(V) auxiliary space.
What topics does LeetCode 428. Serialize and Deserialize N-ary Tree cover?
LeetCode 428. Serialize and Deserialize N-ary Tree is tagged Tree, Depth-First Search, Breadth-First Search and String on LeetCode.
Is LeetCode 428. Serialize and Deserialize N-ary Tree a premium problem?
Yes. LeetCode 428. Serialize and Deserialize N-ary Tree is a LeetCode Premium problem, so the full statement and test cases require a paid LeetCode subscription.

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