What are the differences between a heap and a binary search tree?

What are the differences between a heap and a binary search tree?

A heap is a complete binary tree used for priority queues, while a binary search tree (BST) maintains sorted order for efficient searching.

Can you explain how insertion works in both data structures?

In a heap, insertion involves adding the element at the end and then 'bubbling up' to maintain the heap property. In a BST, you find the correct position by comparing values and placing the new node accordingly.

Which one is better for searching?

A binary search tree is generally better for searching due to its sorted structure, allowing for O(log n) search time, while heaps are not optimized for searching.

What about their time complexities for different operations?

For heaps, insertion and deletion are O(log n), while searching is O(n). For BSTs, insertion, deletion, and searching are O(log n) on average, but can degrade to O(n) if unbalanced.