What is a heap in Java and how does it work?

What is a heap in Java and how does it work?

A heap in Java is a special area of memory used for dynamic memory allocation. It allows objects to be allocated and deallocated at runtime.

Can you explain the difference between a max heap and a min heap?

Sure! In a max heap, the parent node is always greater than or equal to its child nodes, while in a min heap, the parent node is less than or equal to its child nodes.

How do I implement a heap in Java?

You can implement a heap using an array or a binary tree. The array representation is more common, where the parent-child relationship is defined by indices.

What are the common operations performed on heaps?

Common operations include insertion, deletion, and heapify. These operations help maintain the heap property.

Can you give me an example of using a heap in a Java program?

Certainly! Here's a simple example using Java's PriorityQueue class, which is implemented as a min heap.