Optimal Merge Patterns in
Fundamentals of Algorithms
by
Shalini D
III-BCA B
Fundamentals of algorithm
The Problem: Merging
Multiple Sorted Files
Challenge Overview
Given n sorted files of different sizes, merge them into one unified
sorted file while minimizing total computational overhead.
Optimization Goal
Minimize total computation cost measured by number of
comparisons, data moves, and processing operations required.
Real-World Impact
Critical for database systems, external sorting algorithms, log file
processing, and large-scale data integration pipelines.
Naive vs Optimal Merging Strategies
Naive Approach Problems Concrete Example Analysis
Merging files in arbitrary order leads to suboptimal performance Files with sizes 30, 20, 10:
and unnecessary computational overhead.
Bad order: (30+20) then +10 = 110 total
Good order: (20+10) then +30 = 90 total
Strategic ordering reduces computation by 18% improvement in
this example!
Core Algorithm: Greedy Min-
Heap Strategy
Always Merge Smallest Reinsert Combined Size
First After merging, insert the new
Consistently selecting the two combined file size back into the min-
smallest files ensures minimal heap for future consideration.
immediate cost accumulation.
Iterate Until Complete
Continue the process until only one merged file remains, guaranteeing optimal
total cost.
Min-Heap Implementation Details
Heap Structure Algorithm Steps Time Complexity
Min-heap maintains file sizes with 1. Extract two smallest sizes O(n log n) due to heap operations.
smallest at root, enabling O(log n) 2. Calculate merge cost (sum of Each of n-1 merge operations requires
extraction and insertion operations. sizes) O(log n) heap maintenance.
3. Add merged size back to heap
4. Accumulate total cost
Step-by-Step Example: Files
{5, 10, 20, 30, 30}
1 Step 1: Merge 5 & 10
Result: 15, Cost: 15, Running total: 15
2 Step 2: Merge 15 & 20
Result: 35, Cost: 35, Running total: 50
3 Step 3: Merge 30 & 30
Result: 60, Cost: 60, Running total: 110
4 Step 4: Final Merge 35 & 60
Result: 95, Cost: 95, Total optimal cost: 205
Pseudocode Implementation
function optimalMergePattern(fileSizes):
minHeap = createMinHeap(fileSizes)
totalCost = 0
while [Link]() > 1:
file1 = [Link]()
file2 = [Link]()
mergeCost = file1 + file2
totalCost += mergeCost
[Link](mergeCost)
return totalCost
Key insight: This greedy approach using Huffman coding principles guarantees globally optimal solution for merge cost minimization.
