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Software Engineering vocabulary · Data Structures and Algorithms

Heap

Meaning in software engineering, with examples

nounCommon term

In software engineering, heap means: A tree-based data structure with an ordering rule between parents and children, often used to retrieve the smallest or largest item efficiently.

In Turkish: öbek veri yapısı

How it is used

Used in priority queues and scheduling algorithms. This data-structure meaning is distinct from the memory region also called the heap.

Example sentences

  1. The scheduler uses a heap to retrieve the task with the earliest deadline.

  2. After inserting the new item, restore the heap ordering property.

Common collocations

  • binary heap
  • min heap
  • heap property
  • treeA data structure with a root at the top and branches of child nodes below it, used for data that has levels, such as folders, menus or a page's HTML.
  • queueA data structure where the first item added is the first one taken out (FIFO), like people waiting in line. Also a system that holds tasks or messages until they are processed.
  • algorithmA clear, step-by-step method for solving a problem or doing a task, such as sorting a list or finding the shortest route between two points.

More terms: Data Structures and Algorithms

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