[Swizec]

> the idea of implementing so much as a binary heap

In my experience knowing how to implement such things isn't very useful in daily practical programming. Knowing that they exist, what problems they solve, the pros and cons that is incredibly useful day to day. Especially if you can recognize when you've accidentally strayed into implementing one of them under the guise of solving a business problem. You can then apply known patterns or have the foresight to say "Yo this is a solved problem, let's find a library"

[Koshkin]

Not to disagree, but even if one visits restaurants for their "day to day" meals, one might begin wondering, Hmm.. How would I cook that?