Leetcode #606: Construct String from Binary Tree
In this guide, we solve Leetcode #606 Construct String from Binary 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 root node of a binary tree, your task is to create a string representation of the tree following a specific set of formatting rules. The representation should be based on a preorder traversal of the binary tree and must adhere to the following guidelines: Node Representation: Each node in the tree should be represented by its integer value.
Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Medium
- Premium: No
- Tags: Tree, Depth-First Search, String, Binary Tree
Intuition
We need to explore a structure deeply before backing up, which suits DFS.
DFS keeps local context on the call stack and is easy to implement recursively.
Approach
Define a recursive DFS that carries the necessary state.
Combine child results as the recursion unwinds.
Steps:
- Define a recursive DFS with state.
- Visit children and combine results.
- Return the final aggregation.
Example
Input: root = [1,2,3,4]
Output: "1(2(4))(3)"
Explanation: Originally, it needs to be "1(2(4)())(3()())", but you need to omit all the empty parenthesis pairs. And it will be "1(2(4))(3)".
Python Solution
# 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 tree2str(self, root: Optional[TreeNode]) -> str:
def dfs(root):
if root is None:
return ''
if root.left is None and root.right is None:
return str(root.val)
if root.right is None:
return f'{root.val}({dfs(root.left)})'
return f'{root.val}({dfs(root.left)})({dfs(root.right)})'
return dfs(root)
Complexity
The time complexity is O(V+E). The space complexity is O(V).
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.