Concept
Heap sort is a comparison sorting algorithm that uses a binary heap to repeatedly select the largest or smallest element.
Computer Science DSA Lab
Heap Sort Visualizer for Interactive DSA Practice
Explore heap sort by building a max heap, moving the root to the sorted region, and heapifying the remaining array. Learn the concept, operation flow, complexity, and real-world use cases through a focused OpenLabs interactive visualizer.
DSA Visualizer
Heap-based sorting
Best: O(n log n), Average: O(n log n), Worst: O(n log n), Space: O(1)
Step 1
Build max heap
Step 2
Swap root
Step 3
Shrink heap
Step 4
Heapify
Operation flow
The algorithm builds a heap, swaps the root with the last unsorted item, shrinks the heap, and restores the heap property.
Complexity
Best: O(n log n), Average: O(n log n), Worst: O(n log n), Space: O(1)
Visualization
Watch each operation update the structure or algorithm state step by step.
Learn by visualizing
Understand Heap Sort through step-by-step interaction
The algorithm builds a heap, swaps the root with the last unsorted item, shrinks the heap, and restores the heap property. The lab makes every state change visible, helping students connect DSA theory with practical algorithm behavior.
Understand heap structure and heap property.
Visualize heapify after extraction.
Learn why heap sort gives O(n log n) worst-case time.
Connect array representation with binary heap behavior.
Where this concept is used
- Priority queue concepts
- In-place sorting
- Systems with memory limits
- Algorithm complexity practice
How the interactive lab works
Open the Heap Sort lab, run the available operation controls, and watch the visual state update immediately. Use the animation to trace the operation order, compare complexity, and verify your understanding.
Curriculum Continuity
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Heap Sort FAQs
What is heap sort?
Heap sort is a sorting algorithm that uses a heap to repeatedly place the largest element into its final position.
What is heap sort time complexity?
Heap sort runs in O(n log n) time in best, average, and worst cases.
Is heap sort stable?
Heap sort is generally not stable because equal elements can change relative order during heap operations.
Ready to practice Heap Sort?
Launch the visualizer, trace each step, and build confidence with data structures and algorithms through hands-on learning.