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Demystifying Algorithms: Linear Search
- Linear Search is a basic algorithm that operates by sequentially scanning each component in a collection until either the target component is found or the end of the collection is reached.
- It has no preprocessing or data sorting needs, making this adaptable and straightforward to implement.
- However, it has a higher time complexity in contrast to more complex methods like Binary Search, restricting its effectiveness on huge datasets.
- The best case is n= 1 or when the integer is the first element in the array or data structure, and the worst scenario is when the integer is not in the data collection at all or is at the end.
- The algorithm identifies the index of the target integer or string matching the values of the data structure one by one.
- Linear Search can be optimized by iterating through small datasets and using “Early Exit” pattern - stop searching as soon as the target element is identified.
- The algorithm excels in small or unprocessed data sets where the data is unorganized. It does not exploit order or structure in data.
- Linear Search is a good foundation to understand other searching approaches like Binary Search or Hashing.
- This algorithm can operate on any collection that supports sequential access and is simple and easy to apply.
- Linear Search is optimum searching algorithm for small datasets or unsorted collections, but advanced algorithms should be followed for large datasets or sorted data.
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