To perform a deletion operation in a heap, only one array is required. The heap is typically implemented as a single array representing a complete binary tree.
How Deletion Works in a Heap Array
- Identify the element to be deleted (often the root for max-heap or min-heap).
- Swap this element with the last element in the heap array.
- Remove the last element (which is now the element to be deleted) by reducing the heap size.
- Restore the heap property by heapifying (sifting down) the element now at the position of the deleted node.
This entire process is done within the same array without needing a second array
Clarification on Multiple Arrays
Some sources mention the use of two arrays in heap operations, but this usually refers to specific implementations or auxiliary data structures for optimization, not the standard deletion operation itself. The standard deletion in a heap is done in-place in one array
Summary
- Number of arrays required: 1 (the heap array itself)
- The deletion operation swaps and removes elements within this single array.
- Heapify is then called to maintain the heap property after deletion.
Thus, deletion in a heap does not inherently require multiple arrays; it is efficiently performed using a single array structure
