Linear Search, also known as Sequential Search, is an algorithm used to find a specific element in a list by checking each entry sequentially. It is best suited for small or unordered datasets and is characterized by its simplicity and adaptability. The algorithm's time complexity is O(n), making it efficient for certain applications, despite being outperformed by Binary Search in large, sorted datasets. Linear Search is a fundamental concept in computer science, essential for understanding more advanced search techniques.
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Linear Search is a basic search algorithm used to locate a particular element within a list
Sequential Search is another name for Linear Search
Linear Search is used to find a specific value within a list by sequentially checking each element
Linear Search operates by examining each element in a list one by one until the desired value is found or the end of the list is reached
Linear Search checks each element in the list until a match is found or the entire list has been checked
The time complexity of Linear Search is O(n), meaning the time to complete the search increases linearly with the size of the list
Linear Search is simple, efficient in terms of space, adaptable, and useful for small or unsorted lists
Linear Search is useful for finding a specific value in a list, particularly in small or unsorted datasets
Linear Search is less efficient than Binary Search for large, sorted lists, but it can handle unordered data and locate multiple instances of a value
Linear Search can be implemented in any programming language by iterating over a list and checking for a match with the target value
The syntax for implementing Linear Search may vary slightly depending on the programming language used
Linear Search can be easily adapted to different programming environments and is useful in situations where more complex algorithms are unnecessary
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When the searched element is not located in the dataset, the ______ Search algorithm typically returns the value ______.
Linear
-1
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Average comparisons in Linear Search
Linear Search averages n/2 comparisons, where n is list size.
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Best case scenario for Linear Search
Best case is finding target as first element, requiring 1 comparison.
