What is the difference between a heap and a priority queue in C++?

What is the difference between a heap and a priority queue in C++?

A heap is a specific tree-based data structure that satisfies the heap property, while a priority queue is an abstract data type that uses a heap to manage its elements based on priority.

Can you explain how a binary heap is implemented in C++?

Sure! A binary heap can be implemented using an array where the parent-child relationship is defined by indices. For a node at index i, its left child is at 2i + 1 and the right child is at 2i + 2.

What are the time complexities for inserting and deleting elements in a priority queue?

In a priority queue implemented with a binary heap, both insertion and deletion (removing the highest priority element) have a time complexity of O(log n).

Are there any other types of heaps besides binary heaps?

Yes, there are several types of heaps, including Fibonacci heaps, binomial heaps, and d-ary heaps, each with different properties and use cases.