Top K Frequent Elements

Hash map + heap · Count, then keep the best k · Stretch · about 28 min

Why it matters

Interview questions often combine familiar patterns instead of introducing a new one.

How it connects

This blends two tools you know: map frequencies first, then use priority to choose.

Try first

What should your map store before any heap work begins?

Interview cue

I separate counting from ranking: hash map for frequencies, heap for the top k.