Applications of Binary Search Algorithm

What is Binary Search Algorithm?

Binary search is a search algorithm used to find the position of a target value within a sorted array. It works by repeatedly dividing the search interval in half until the target value is found or the interval is empty. The search interval is halved by comparing the target element with the middle value of the search space....

Conditions to apply Binary Search Algorithm in a Data Structure:

To apply Binary Search algorithm:...

Binary Search Algorithm:

In this algorithm,  Divide the search space into two halves by finding the middle index “mid”. Finding the middle index “mid” in Binary Search AlgorithmCompare the middle element of the search space with the key. If the key is found at middle element, the process is terminated.If the key is not found at middle element, choose which half will be used as the next search space.If the key is smaller than the middle element, then the left side is used for next search.If the key is larger than the middle element, then the right side is used for next search.This process is continued until the key is found or the total search space is exhausted....

How does Binary Search Algorithm work?

To understand the working of binary search, consider the following illustration:...

How to Implement Binary Search Algorithm?

The Binary Search Algorithm can be implemented in the following two ways...

Iterative Binary Search Algorithm:

Here we use a while loop to continue the process of comparing the key and splitting the search space in two halves....

Recursive Binary Search Algorithm:

Create a recursive function and compare the mid of the search space with the key. And based on the result either return the index where the key is found or call the recursive function for the next search space....

Complexity Analysis of Binary Search Algorithm:

Time Complexity: Best Case: O(1)Average Case: O(log N)Worst Case: O(log N)Auxiliary Space: O(1), If the recursive call stack is considered then the auxiliary space will be O(logN)....

Applications of Binary Search Algorithm:

Binary search can be used as a building block for more complex algorithms used in machine learning, such as algorithms for training neural networks or finding the optimal hyperparameters for a model.It can be used for searching in computer graphics such as algorithms for ray tracing or texture mapping.It can be used for searching a database....

Advantages of Binary Search:

Binary search is faster than linear search, especially for large arrays.More efficient than other searching algorithms with a similar time complexity, such as interpolation search or exponential search.Binary search is well-suited for searching large datasets that are stored in external memory, such as on a hard drive or in the cloud....

Disadvantages of Binary Search:

The array should be sorted.Binary search requires that the data structure being searched be stored in contiguous memory locations. Binary search requires that the elements of the array be comparable, meaning that they must be able to be ordered....

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) on Binary Search:

1. What is Binary Search?...