How can I optimize a binary search algorithm?

How can I optimize a binary search algorithm?

To optimize a binary search, ensure your data is sorted and consider using iterative methods instead of recursion.

What are the time complexities of binary search?

The time complexity of binary search is O(log n), which is efficient for large datasets.

Can you give me an example of binary search in Python?

Sure! Here's a simple implementation:

def binary_search(arr, target):
    left, right = 0, len(arr) - 1
    while left <= right:
        mid = (left + right) // 2
        if arr[mid] == target:
            return mid
        elif arr[mid] < target:
            left = mid + 1
        else:
            right = mid - 1
    return -1

What are some common mistakes to avoid when implementing binary search?

Common mistakes include not checking if the array is sorted, using incorrect mid-point calculations, and failing to handle edge cases.