Heap Sort: An Efficient
Sorting Algorithm
Welcome to our presentation on Heap Sort, a powerful comparison-
based sorting algorithm introduced by J.W.J. Williams in 1964. It
leverages the binary heap data structure to achieve an impressive
O(n log n) worst-case time complexity.
What is Heap Sort?
Heap-Based Divided Regions
A sorting algorithm built upon Conceptually separates the
the efficient Binary Heap data array into "heap" and "sorted"
structure. sections.
Element Extraction
Sorts by repeatedly extracting
the largest or smallest element
from the heap.
The Binary Heap Data Structure
A binary heap is a complete binary tree that strictly adheres to the
heap property, ensuring a specific order between parent and child
nodes.
Max-Heap
The parent node is always greater than or equal to its
children, ensuring the largest element is at the root.
Min-Heap
The parent node is always less than or equal to its children,
placing the smallest element at the root.
Array Implementation
Heaps are commonly implemented using arrays, leveraging
mathematical relationships (e.g., left child at 2i+1) for
efficient navigation.
How Heap Sort Works: Phase
1 (Building the Heap)
Transformation
The first phase converts an unsorted array into a Max-Heap (or Min-
Heap), placing the largest element at the root.
Heapify Operation
It begins from the last non-leaf node, applying the `heapify`
operation to ensure the heap property is maintained downwards for
all subtrees.
Efficiency
Building the heap is a highly efficient process, completed in O(n)
time complexity for an array of n elements.
How Heap Sort Works: Phase 2 (Extracting
Elements)
In the second phase, elements are extracted one by
one, effectively sorting the array. Swap Max
• The maximum element (root of the Max-Heap) is Swap root with last element.
repeatedly extracted.
• This root is swapped with the last element of the Reduce Heap
heap, moving it to its sorted position.
Shrink heap size by one.
• The heap size is then reduced by one, and `heapify`
is called on the new root to restore the heap
Re-Heapify
• property.
This process iterates n-1 times, gradually building
the sorted array from the end. Restore heap property.
• Each extraction and subsequent `heapify` operation
contributes O(log n) time.
Heap Sort: Time and
Space Complexity
O(n log n) O(1)
Time Complexity Space Complexity
Guaranteed across best, Requires minimal auxiliary
average, and worst-case space, classifying it as an in-
scenarios, making it place sorting algorithm.
consistently efficient.
This includes O(n) for building Its performance remains stable,
the heap and n * O(log n) for regardless of the initial order of
the extraction phase. the data.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Guaranteed Performance
Offers a reliable O(n log n) worst-case time, unlike Quick Sort's potential O(n^2).
In-place Sorting
Requires minimal additional memory, making it efficient for systems with limited resources.
Applications of Heap Sort
Priority Queues Embedded Systems
Heaps are fundamental for Ideal for resource-constrained
implementing priority queues, environments where O(1) space
vital in operating system task and guaranteed performance are
scheduling. critical.
Selection Algorithms
Graph Algorithms
Efficiently finds the k-th
Often employed in pathfinding
largest/smallest element, useful
algorithms like Dijkstra's and
for top-K lists.
Prim's.
THANK YOU!
