1. A method comprising: receiving a syntax element to be encoded as a code word, wherein the syntax element relates to at least one of a coded block pattern, a transform split pattern, or motion partition information; determining, by a computing device, a mapping between the syntax element and the code word on the basis of a hierarchy level in a tree structure, wherein the tree structure relates to at least one of a transform block size, a prediction block size, or a block size, and wherein the hierarchy level represents division of a block into smaller blocks; using the mapping to obtain the code word; and updating the mapping.