What are the applications of priority queues?

What are the applications of priority queues?

Priority queues are used in various applications like scheduling tasks, managing resources, and in algorithms like Dijkstra's.

Can you give me an example of how they are used in scheduling?

Sure! In operating systems, priority queues manage CPU scheduling by allowing high-priority processes to execute before lower-priority ones.

Are there any real-world examples of priority queues in action?

Yes! Emergency rooms use priority queues to treat patients based on the severity of their conditions, ensuring critical cases are handled first.

What data structures are commonly used to implement priority queues?

Priority queues can be implemented using binary heaps, Fibonacci heaps, or even unsorted lists, depending on the use case.