Fiveable
Fiveable

Searching Algorithms

Definition

Searching algorithms are methods used to find specific elements or values within a collection of data.

Analogy

Imagine you're searching for your favorite book in a library with thousands of books. You can start from the first shelf and go through each book until you find it. This sequential search is like linear search algorithm, where each element is checked one by one until the target is found.

Related terms

Binary Search: A searching algorithm that divides a sorted list in half repeatedly until the target element is found.

Hashing: A technique that maps data elements to specific locations using hash functions for efficient retrieval.

Linear Search: A simple searching algorithm that checks every element in order until finding the target.

"Searching Algorithms" appears in:

collegeable - rocket pep

Are you a college student?

  • Study guides for the entire semester

  • 200k practice questions

  • Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab



© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.