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Difference Between Min Heap and Max Heap
A heap is a data structure which is based on tree. This tree is a complete binary tree which consists of N nodes and log N height. The elements whose priority is highest or lowest can be easily removed. This heap structure is displayed in the form of an array. The heaps can be used to derive maximum and minimum values. Heap is of two types which are Min Heap and Max heap and in this article, we will see the difference between them.
What is Min Heap?
The key in the Min Heap is available at the root node. It must be less than or equal to the number of keys in the child nodes. This rule has to be followed in all the trees present in the binary tree. The root is the place where the minimum key element can be found.
What is Max Heap?
The key in the Max Heap is greater than or equal to the keys present in the keys of the child nodes. This rule is followed by all the trees present in the binary tree. The root is the place where the maximum key element can be found.
Difference between Min Heap and Max Heap
Min Heap and Max Heap have a lot of differences which we can find in the table below ?
| Min Heap | Max Heap |
|---|---|
| Min heap is a tree structure in which the key with the lowest value is present at the root node. | Max heap is a tree structure in which the key with the highest value is present at the root node. |
| The minimum key element can be found at the root node. | The maximum key element can be found at the root node. |
| The ascending order of the priorities can be found in the min heap. | The descending order of the priorities can be found in the max heap. |
| Priority is given to the smallest element in the min heap. | Priority is given to the largest element in the max heap. |
| The smallest element pops up when needed. | The largest element pops up when needed. |
| Min heap is used for the implementation of the Dijkstra Graph algorithm and Minimum Spanning trees. | Max heap is used for the implementation of priority queues. |
There are different operations performed on the min heap which include ?
|
There are different operations performed on the max heap which include ?
|
Conclusion
The heap data structure is based on tree and is of two types which are max heap and min heap. The Min heap has the root element with the smallest value while the max heap has the root element with the largest value. Priority is given to the smallest element in the min heap and the largest element in the max heap. The heap data structure is not flexible as modifications can disturb the relative order.
FAQs on Min Heap and Max Heap
1. What are the two types of heaps in the heap data structure?
The two types of heaps in the heap data structure are max heap and min heap.
2. What are the operations performed on the heaps?
The operations performed on the heaps are insertion, deletion, and retrieving an element.
3. What is the main aim of the heap data structure?
The main aim of the heap data structure is to implement priority queues.
4. Is heap data structure flexible?
No! The heap data structure is not flexible as the elements are arranged in specific order.
5. How memory is allocated for the heap data structure?
Memory is allocated dynamically.
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