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