What is a priority queue and how can I visualize it?

What is a priority queue and how can I visualize it?

A priority queue is a data structure where each element has a priority. Elements with higher priority are dequeued before those with lower priority. You can visualize it using a binary heap or a simple list where the highest priority elements are at the front.

Can you show me a visual representation of a priority queue?

Sure! Imagine a binary tree where each parent node has a higher priority than its children. The root node represents the highest priority element.

How does adding and removing elements work in a priority queue?

When adding an element, it is placed at the end and then 'bubbled up' to maintain the order. Removing the highest priority element involves replacing it with the last element and then 'bubbling down' to restore order.

What are some real-world applications of priority queues?

Priority queues are used in scheduling algorithms, like CPU task scheduling, and in algorithms like Dijkstra's for finding the shortest path.