class IO::Event::PriorityHeap

def pop

@returns [Object | Nil] The smallest element in the heap, or nil if the heap is empty.

Removes and returns the smallest element in the heap, or nil if the heap is empty. 
def pop
	# If the heap is empty:
	if @contents.empty?
		return nil
	end
	
	# If we have only one item, no swapping is required:
	if @contents.size == 1
		return @contents.pop
	end
	
	# Take the root of the tree:
	value = @contents[0]
	
	# Remove the last item in the tree:
	last = @contents.pop
	
	# Overwrite the root of the tree with the item:
	@contents[0] = last
	
	# Bubble it down into place:
	bubble_down(0)
	
	# validate!
	
	return value
end