22.1.1. Understanding the Tree Construction

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is Huffman coding used for?

   Hint

   Think about how we can represent data more efficiently.

2. 2.

   What do we do when we have only two nodes left in Huffman coding?

   Hint

   Think about binary representation.

3. 3.

   What is the primary purpose of Huffman coding?

   • Data Encryption
   • Data Compression
   • Data Deletion

   Hint

   Think about how we minimize storage space.

4. 4.

   True or False: The Huffman coding algorithm guarantees the longest average encoding lengths.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider what Huffman coding aims to achieve.

5. 5.

   Given the following frequencies: A: 10, B: 40, C: 30, D: 20, demonstrate the step-by-step construction of a Huffman tree.

   Hint

   Keep track of each step visually to see how frequencies merge.

6. 6.

   Create your own set of character frequencies and determine the optimal encoding. Then compare with a different merging strategy.

   Hint

   Focus on keeping track of frequency sums as you merge.