What are the different types of searching algorithms and their complexities?

What are the different types of searching algorithms and their complexities?

There are several types of searching algorithms, including linear search, binary search, and hash-based search. Linear search has a time complexity of O(n), while binary search is O(log n) but requires a sorted array. Hash-based searches can achieve O(1) on average.

Can you explain how binary search works?

Sure! Binary search works by dividing a sorted array in half. It compares the target value to the middle element. If they match, the search is complete. If the target is less, it continues in the left half; if greater, in the right half, repeating this process until found or the subarray is empty.

What are the advantages of using hash-based searching?

Hash-based searching offers constant time complexity on average, making it very efficient for lookups. It also allows for quick insertions and deletions, which is beneficial for dynamic datasets.

Are there any drawbacks to using binary search?

Yes, binary search requires the data to be sorted, which can be a drawback if the dataset is frequently changing. Additionally, the sorting process can add overhead, making it less efficient for small or unsorted datasets.