Binary Search Tree Insertion Tutorial: Building a BST from Scratch Step by Step

In this hands-on tutorial, we build a binary search tree (BST) from scratch by inserting numbers one by one: 88, 21, 3, 6, 72, 34, 11, 1, 90, 65, 55, 17, 23, and 9. Watch as each node finds its correct position following BST rules, with clear explanations of left and right child decisions, parent pointers, and why the tree ends up looking a bit wonky but is still valid.

We cover the full insertion process, verify the tree is a proper BST by checking inorder traversal (sorted order), confirm it's a connected acyclic rooted binary tree, and discuss tree height, time complexity (O(h) where h=6 for this tree), and why self-balancing trees matter for better performance.

Great practice for computer science students, programmers learning data structures, or anyone prepping for coding interviews. No fancy animations - just real step-by-step drawing and reasoning.

If you want more BST practice videos or specific insertion sequences, drop a comment below!

00:00 Introduction to BST Practice
00:35 Insertion Sequence Overview
00:59 Rules for Building BST
01:30 Insert 88 as Root
02:20 Continue building the tree from input data
13:04 Finish building the tree
14:56 Clean Up Diagram
15:24 Verify Inorder Traversal
16:48 Confirm Tree Properties
19:23 Tree Height and Time Complexity
22:01 Search Example for 55
23:09 Log Time vs Actual Height
24:21 Conclusion and Future Topics

binary search tree, BST insertion, binary search tree tutorial, build BST from scratch, data structures, algorithms, BST insertion step by step, binary tree, tree height, time complexity BST, coding interview prep, computer science, inorder traversal, self balancing trees

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