Step 11: Heaps [Learning, Medium, Hard Problems]›Medium Problems
Sort K sorted array
EasyFunction: sortKSortedArray()
ASCI Mission Breakdown • Simple as Hell
"Master Sort K sorted array: Take `nums` (number[]), execute an optimal medium problems strategy, and return number[] with clean edge-case handling."
Real-World Metaphor:
Think of Sort K sorted array as an everyday real-world challenge: you receive input data, inspect its elements in sequence without making unnecessary duplicate passes, and transform the collection to reach the exact target without wasting computer memory.
Interactive Visual WalkthroughARRAY-POINTERS
Step 1 / 3
Sort K sorted array State Pipeline
start
5
[0]
2
[1]
3
[2]
1
[3]
Memory Notepad / State Tracker
Status:Initialized
Mode:Scanning
Evaluating
1. Initialize State for Sort K sorted array
Load inputs and initialize algorithmic registers.
How to Think About This (Mental Model)
Unpack the problem parameters (`nums` (number[])) and clarify what is given vs what must be returned.
Identify the optimal data structure or pattern (e.g. pointers, hash map, or stack) to avoid redundant recalculations.
Walk through state transitions, handle edge cases (empty collections, single items, negative numbers), and return the verified result.
Given an array of integers `nums`, sort the array in ascending order using the **Sort K sorted array** technique.
Return the sorted array.
Examples
Example 1
Input: nums = [5,2,3,1]
Output: [1,2,3,5]
Example 2
Input: nums = [5,1,1,2,0,0]
Output: [0,0,1,1,2,5]
Constraints
1 <= nums.length <= 5 * 10^4
-5 * 10^4 <= nums[i] <= 5 * 10^4
Topic Tags:
Heaps [Learning, Medium, Hard Problems]Medium ProblemssortKSortedArray