Searching Algorithms

1. Linear search
2. Binary search

Binary Search

 Search a sorted array by repeatedly dividing the search interval (Divide and conquer )in half. Begin with an interval covering the whole array. If the value of the search key is less than the item in the middle of the interval, narrow the interval to the lower half. Otherwise, narrow it to the upper half. Repeatedly check until the value is found or the interval is empty.

Algorithm – We basically ignore half of the elements just after one comparison.

1. Compare x(element to be searched for) with the middle element.
2. If x matches with the middle element, we return the mid index.
3. Else If x is greater than the mid element, then x can only lie in the right half subarray after the mid element. So we recur for the right half.
4. Else (x is smaller) recur for the left half.

Two approaches-

• Iterative – tip – for simplicity of understanding go with this
• Recursive (ignored as slightly complex to understand and implement )

Iterative approach –

int binarySearch(int arr[], int x)
    {
        int l = 0, r = arr.length - 1;
        while (l <= r) {
            int m = l + (r - l) / 2;

            // Check if x is present at mid
            if (arr[m] == x)
                return m;

            // If x greater, ignore left half
            if (arr[m] < x)
                l = m + 1;

            // If x is smaller, ignore right half
            else
                r = m - 1;
        }

        // if we reach here, then element was
        // not present
        return -1;
    }