What are the differences between priority queues and stacks?

What are the differences between priority queues and stacks?

Priority queues and stacks are both abstract data types, but they handle elements differently. A stack follows Last In First Out (LIFO) order, while a priority queue processes elements based on their priority.

Can you give me an example of how each one works?

Sure! In a stack, if you push 1, 2, and 3, popping will give you 3 first. In a priority queue, if you add elements with priorities, the one with the highest priority is served first, regardless of the order they were added.

When would I use a priority queue instead of a stack?

You'd use a priority queue when you need to process tasks based on urgency, like in scheduling algorithms, while a stack is useful for backtracking problems, like undo operations.

Are there any real-world applications for these data structures?

Yes! Stacks are used in function calls and parsing expressions, while priority queues are used in algorithms like Dijkstra's for shortest paths and in task scheduling.