Question

How to insert into a heap?

Answer 1

To insert into a heap, place the element at the end of the heap and then repeatedly compare and swap it with its parent until the heap property is maintained, in a process called 'heapify-up.'

Step-by-step explanation:

How to Insert into a Heap

To insert an element into a heap, you must maintain the heap property, which is the organization of the heap as either a max-heap or a min-heap. Here's a general process you can follow:

1. Place the element you want to insert at the bottom of the heap, which is the next open spot at the end of the array or tree structure representing the heap.
2. Compare the inserted element with its parent; in a max-heap, if the element is larger, or in a min-heap, if it's smaller, then swap the two elements.
3. Continue the comparison and swapping process up the tree until the new element's parent is either larger (max-heap) or smaller (min-heap) than the element, or until the element reaches the root of the tree.

This process is often referred to as 'heapify-up' or 'up-heap' operation. The purpose is to ensure that the structure remains a valid heap after the insertion of a new element.