Leaf Nodes
Leaf nodes in a tree data structure are the nodes without any children, marking the endpoints of the branches of the tree. They are the terminal elements in the hierarchical structure, where each path from the root node ends. In various types of trees, including binary trees, AVL trees, and B-trees, leaf nodes play a crucial role in defining the depth and boundaries of the tree. They are essential for certain algorithms and processes, such as calculating the height of the tree, performing depth-first or breadth-first searches, and implementing efficient data storage and retrieval methods. Leaf nodes often contain the actual data or values that are being organized by the tree structure, making them key to understanding the overall distribution and organization of data within the tree.