What is linear search?

Can you explain what linear search is?

Sure! Linear search is a simple algorithm that checks each element in a list sequentially until the desired element is found.

How does it differ from binary search?

Linear search checks each item one by one, while binary search divides the list in half, making it faster for sorted lists.

When would I use linear search instead of binary search?

You would use linear search when the list is unsorted or when the list is small, as it can be simpler to implement.

Can you give me an example of linear search in code?

Certainly! Here's a simple example in Python:

def linear_search(arr, target):
    for i in range(len(arr)):
        if arr[i] == target:
            return i
    return -1