W Code - Pattern-Based DSA Learning Platform

Bhanu Bisht

Curated List

Top Heap / Priority Queue Problems for Coding Interviews

Master the Heap / Priority Queue pattern with this curated list of 10 must-solve problems. Each problem is ranked by interview frequency, difficulty, and learning value. Efficiently extract min/max elements using heap data structure.

Ranking Criteria: Interview frequency (40%), Learning value (30%), Difficulty progression (20%), Company tag count (10%).

Ranking Methodology

We rank Heap / Priority Queue problems using four criteria:

1.Interview Frequency (40%) — How often the problem appears in real interviews (Google, Amazon, Microsoft, etc.)

2.Learning Value (30%) — Whether solving it teaches transferable concepts

3.Difficulty Progression (20%) — Problems ordered from Easy → Medium → Hard for systematic learning

4.Company Coverage (10%) — Number of companies that actively ask this problem

Must-Solve Problems (Easy)

3 easy problems focusing on basic pattern recognition and implementation.

Pro tip: Solve these first to build confidence. Target: 15 minutes each.

Practice all Easy Heap / Priority Queue problems on W Code with instant feedback and solution explanations.

Core Problems (Medium)

5 medium problems focusing on combining the pattern with other techniques.

Pro tip: These form the core of your interview prep. Target: 25 minutes each.

Practice all Medium Heap / Priority Queue problems on W Code with instant feedback and solution explanations.

Advanced Problems (Hard)

3 hard problems focusing on complex variations and optimization.

Pro tip: Only attempt after mastering Medium. Target: 40 minutes with hints if needed.

Practice all Hard Heap / Priority Queue problems on W Code with instant feedback and solution explanations.

Study Plan

Week 1: Solve all Easy problems to build pattern recognition

Week 2: Tackle Medium problems — aim for 2-3 per day

Week 3: Attempt Hard problems with 45-minute timer

Week 4: Re-solve problems you struggled with

Daily target: 2 problems minimum, 4 maximum (quality over quantity).

Use the Heap / Priority Queue template from W Code to develop muscle memory for the pattern structure.

Tips for ${pattern.name} Problems

1.Always identify the pattern before jumping into code

2.Start with brute force, then optimize to O(n log k)

3.Practice explaining your approach out loud

4.Test with edge cases: empty input, single element, large n

5.Time yourself — aim for 20 minutes on Medium problems

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Heap / Priority Queue problems should I solve?

Solve at least 10 problems to build strong pattern recognition. For FAANG prep, aim for all 10.

Which companies ask Heap / Priority Queue questions?

Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta frequently ask Heap / Priority Queue problems. Service companies like TCS and Infosys test simpler variations.

What should I learn before Heap / Priority Queue?

Prerequisites: Arrays, Trees concept. Make sure you're comfortable with these first.

Practice all 10 Heap / Priority Queue problems with AI hints and step-by-step solutions on W Code. Start free!

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