What is a binary tree?

A binary tree is specifically defined as a tree data structure where each node can have at most two children, which are typically referred to as the left child and the right child. This structure is fundamental in computer science because it allows for efficient searching, insertion, and deletion of nodes. Binary trees are often used to implement binary search trees, where the left child's value is less than its parent's, and the right child's value is greater, facilitating fast data retrieval operations.

The significance of the binary tree lies in its balanced structure, which can enhance performance in numerous applications, such as expression parsing, binary heaps, and tree traversals. Understanding the properties and constraints of a binary tree is crucial for algorithm design and optimization in various programming tasks.