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Merge k sorted lists: heap vs divide-and-conquer — which is better for n=10k?

Q: Merge k sorted lists: heap vs divide-and-conquer — which is better for n=10k?

**Core concept.** Merge k sorted lists: heap vs divide-and-conquer is a classic interview signal. Input n steps Optimal O(n log n) Result Verified How it works — use optimal structure, maintain invariants, handle empty/single/duplicate. Brute O(n²) vs optimal O(n) or O(n log n). | | Brute | Optimal | |---|---|---| | Time |

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Core concept. Merge k sorted lists: heap vs divide-and-conquer is a classic interview signal.

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