LeetCode Q331: Verify Preorder Serialization of a Binary Tree

One way to serialize a binary tree is to use pre-order traversal. When we encounter a non-null node, we record the node's value. If it is a null node, we record using a sentinel value such as #.

     _9_

    /   \

   3     2

  / \   / \

 4   1  #  6

/ \ / \   / \

# # # #   # #

For example, the above binary tree can be serialized to the string "9,3,4,#,#,1,#,#,2,#,6,#,#", where # represents a null node.

Given a string of comma separated values, verify whether it is a correct preorder traversal serialization of a binary tree. Find an algorithm without reconstructing the tree.

Each comma separated value in the string must be either an integer or a character '#' representing null pointer.

You may assume that the input format is always valid, for example it could never contain two consecutive commas such as "1,,3".

Example 1:

"9,3,4,#,#,1,#,#,2,#,6,#,#"

Return true

Example 2:

"1,#"

Return false

Example 3:

"9,#,#,1"

Return false

Solution:

Idea is to simulate preorder traversal using a stack. Whenever meet a number, we push it to stack, which is to simulate go along the path down to the bottom left. When it is a #, we pop the stack. There are two situation during this process you should return a false. first, stack becomes empty but there are remaining string. Second, string is empty but stack is not.

Round 2 solution:
When meet a '#', we keep removing '#' and one additional node from the stack. After all available removal, we push back one '#'. So at the end, the valid solution will have only one '#' in the stack.