What are external sorting techniques?

What are external sorting techniques?

External sorting techniques are methods used to sort data that cannot fit into a computer's main memory. They involve dividing the data into smaller chunks, sorting those chunks in memory, and then merging them.

Can you explain how the merge sort algorithm works in external sorting?

Sure! Merge sort in external sorting involves dividing the data into sorted runs, then merging these runs together. This is done in multiple passes until the entire dataset is sorted.

What are some advantages of using external sorting?

Some advantages include the ability to handle large datasets that exceed memory limits, efficient use of disk I/O, and the ability to sort data in parallel.

Are there specific algorithms used for external sorting?

Yes, common algorithms include external merge sort, polyphase merge sort, and replacement selection. Each has its own use cases depending on the data size and system architecture.