What are the performance characteristics of sorting algorithms in C++?

What are the performance characteristics of sorting algorithms in C++?

Sorting algorithms in C++ vary in performance based on their time complexity. Common algorithms include Quick Sort, Merge Sort, and Bubble Sort.

Can you explain the time complexity of Quick Sort?

Quick Sort has an average time complexity of O(n log n) and a worst-case of O(n²), but it's often faster in practice due to its efficient partitioning.

How does Merge Sort compare to Quick Sort?

Merge Sort has a consistent time complexity of O(n log n) regardless of the input, making it stable and reliable, but it requires additional space.

Which sorting algorithm is the fastest for large datasets?

For large datasets, Quick Sort is generally faster due to its in-place sorting and lower constant factors, but Merge Sort is preferred for stability.

Are there any built-in sorting functions in C++?

Yes, C++ provides the std::sort function in the <algorithm> header, which uses a hybrid sorting algorithm for efficiency.