Why it matters

Top trees generalize link-cut. Understanding shapes advanced tree structures.

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The architecture

Cluster decomposition.

Merge / split clusters via ops.

Log n height.

Top tree structureCluster decompositionof treeOps on clustersmerge / splitLog n heightoperationsAlstrup et al. + subsequent work; expressive for many dynamic tree queries
Top trees.
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How it works end to end

Alstrup et al. 1997.

Handle vertex + edge updates.

Applications: dynamic algorithms + minor testing.