JuliaCollections / JuliaCollections/DataStructures.jl
Should PriorityQueue actually be a dictionary?
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- Julia
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Description
Currently, PriorityQueue is implemented as an AbstractDict by wrapping a Dict instance. Apparently, this design mixes two different data structures, and since this leads to performance issues (e.g., https://github.com/JuliaCollections/DataStructures.jl/issues/596) I'm wondering if this should be changed.
Instead, alternatively PriorityQueue could be implemented as a wrapper of a heap structure for pairs (by default a BinaryHeap but adjustable by the user) that provides a consistent interface for accessing the top element, its key and its value, removing the top element, and inserting elements, without additionally serving as a dictionary (similar to, e.g., the std::priority_queue in C++). If users need a dictionary structure as well, they can create one independently of the PriorityQueue. This separation would also make it easier to use alternative dictionary types such as SwissDict or RobinDict.
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First steps
- Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
- Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
- Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
- Open a pull request that references the issue number.
Research direction
Start by reading the current PriorityQueue implementation and the linked performance discussion. Compare the AbstractDict/Dict design with the proposed BinaryHeap-backed interface, then establish the intended API and compatibility expectations before implementation; done requires an agreed design and corresponding behavior and performance validation.
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Assessment
- Tech stack
- julia
- Domain
- data
- Issue type
- Refactor
- Difficulty
- 5/5
- Estimated time
- Over a week
- Activity status
- Stale
- Clarity
- Needs clarification
- Newbie friendliness
- 25/100