How does binary search work in sorted arrays?

How does binary search work in sorted arrays?

Binary search is an efficient algorithm for finding an item from a sorted list of items. It works by repeatedly dividing the search interval in half.

Can you explain the steps involved in binary search?

Sure! First, you start with two pointers, one at the beginning and one at the end of the array. Then, you calculate the middle index and compare the middle element with the target value.

What happens if the middle element is less than the target?

If the middle element is less than the target, you move the left pointer to the middle index plus one, effectively narrowing the search to the right half of the array.

And if it's greater?

If the middle element is greater than the target, you move the right pointer to the middle index minus one, narrowing the search to the left half.

How do you know when to stop searching?

You stop searching when the left pointer exceeds the right pointer, which means the target is not in the array.