Here is a comparison of binary search and linear search:
Linear search is a simple algorithm that sequentially checks each element in a list until the target element is found or the end of the list is reached[1][2][3]. It works by comparing the current element to the target value and moving to the next element if there is no match[4]. Linear search has a time complexity of O(n), where n is the number of elements in the list[3][4]. It is suitable for small datasets or when the list is unsorted[5].
Binary search is a more efficient algorithm that works on sorted lists[1][2][3]. It repeatedly divides the search interval in half by comparing the middle element to the target value[4]. If the middle element matches the target, the search is complete. If the target is less than the middle element, the search continues in the left half. If the target is greater, the search continues in the right half[4]. Binary search has a time complexity of O(log n), making it highly efficient for large datasets[3][4]. However, it requires the list to be sorted beforehand[2][5].
Key differences between linear search and binary search:
