Which of the following data structures is most suitable for implementing a priority queue?
a) Stack
b) Heap
c) Linked List
d) Queue
Answer:
b) Heap
Explanation:
A heap is the most suitable data structure for implementing a priority queue because it allows efficient retrieval of the highest (or lowest) priority element. Heaps provide logarithmic time O(log n) for insertion and deletion operations.
In a priority queue, elements are dequeued based on their priority rather than their order of arrival. Heaps are commonly used to maintain such order efficiently.
A binary heap, in particular, is widely used for implementing priority queues due to its structure and the efficiency it provides for maintaining the order of priorities.
Reference:
DSA (Data Structures and Algorithms) MCQ Questions and Answers