A new data structure for representing sorted lists

Abstract

In this paper we explore the use of weak B-trees to represent sorted lists. In weak B-trees each node has at least a and at most b sons where 2a ≤ b. We analyse the worst case cost of sequences of insertions and deletions in weak B-trees. This leads to a new data structure (level-linked weak B-trees) for representing sorted lists when the access pattern exhibits a (time-varying) locality of reference. Our structure is substantially simpler than the one proposed by Guibas, McCreight, Plass and Roberts, yet it has many of its properties. Our structure is as simple as the one proposed by Brown/Tarjan, but our structure can treat arbitrary sequences of insertions and deletions whilst theirs can only treat non-interacting insertions and deletions.