def split_key(key):
if key == KEY_SEP:<EOL><INDENT>return ()<EOL><DEDENT>key_chunks = tuple(key.strip(KEY_SEP).split(KEY_SEP))<EOL>if key_chunks[<NUM_LIT:0>].startswith(KEY_SEP):<EOL><INDENT>return (key_chunks[<NUM_LIT:0>][len(KEY_SEP):],) + key_chunks[<NUM_LIT:1>:]<EOL><DEDENT>else:<EOL><INDENT>return key_chunks<EOL><DEDENT>
Splits a node key.