Searching and Sorting Algorithms: Fundamentals of algorithms: Computer Science: GCSE (9:1)

Binary Search

A searching algorithm that divides the search space in half each time until it finds the target, faster than linear but requires the array to be sorted

Linear Search

A searching algorithm which looks at every element in turn until it finds the target, it is slow but works even on unsorted data

Efficiency

The processing time required to run an algorithm, can be poor for some simple algorithms like linear search or bubble sort

Merge Sort

A very efficient sorting algorithm that repeatedly breaks down a list into smaller lists, then repeatedly merges them back together in order

Bubble Sort

A sorting algorithm that passes over the list many times, swapping adjacent items if they are in the wrong order. Not very efficient.

Sorting algorithm

Any algorithm that puts data in order, examples are bubble, insertion and merge

Searching algorithm

Any algorithm that finds data within a data structure, examples are linear (also called serial) and binary.

Sorted

Before using binary search, the data must be __________ into order.

Unsorted

Linear search will work on sorted or _____________ data

Slow

Bubble sort, insertion sort and linear search are all very _______, inefficient algorithms

Fast

Binary search and merge sort are very _______ algorithms because they complete the task with many fewer comparisons