How is a Heap implemented using an Array? (Parent/Child index math)

Difficulty: 5/10

array representation, index calculations, heap operations

Array Representation of Heap

Because a heap is complete, it can be stored compactly in an array without explicit child pointers. For zero-based indexing, the parent of index i is (i-1)/2, the left child is 2i+1, and the right child is 2i+2. This representation provides excellent cache locality and avoids pointer overhead.

javascript

1
Zero-based arrays are most commonly used.
2
No null slots are required for missing children.
3
The complete-tree property guarantees compact storage.
4
Heap operations rearrange array elements using swaps.

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0-2 years experience

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