What are the complexities of different searching algorithms in C++?

What are the complexities of different searching algorithms in C++?

In C++, common searching algorithms include linear search and binary search. Linear search has a time complexity of O(n), while binary search has a time complexity of O(log n), but it requires a sorted array.

Can you explain why binary search is faster than linear search?

Certainly! Binary search is faster because it divides the search space in half with each step, significantly reducing the number of comparisons needed, especially in large datasets.

Are there any other searching algorithms I should know about?

Yes, there are several other algorithms like jump search, interpolation search, and exponential search, each with its own complexities and use cases.

How do I implement binary search in C++?

Here's a simple implementation of binary search in C++:

int binarySearch(int arr[], int size, int target) {
    int left = 0, right = size - 1;
    while (left <= right) {
        int mid = left + (right - left) / 2;
        if (arr[mid] == target) return mid;
        if (arr[mid] < target) left = mid + 1;
        else right = mid - 1;
    }
    return -1; // target not found
}

This function returns the index of the target if found, or -1 if not.