Searching Algorithms

Linear search sequentially checks each element of the list until it finds an element that matches the target value. With a time complexity of O(n), it's the simplest searching algorithm but becomes inefficient for large datasets. One advantage is that it works on unsorted arrays and doesn't require any preprocessing. Linear search is practical for small arrays or when the target is likely to be found early in the sequence. It's also useful when searching rarely happens or when elements are frequently added and removed.

Binary search finds the position of a target value within a sorted array by repeatedly dividing the search interval in half. With a logarithmic time complexity of O(log n), it's dramatically more efficient than linear search for large datasets. Binary search requires the array to be sorted beforehand, making it ideal for situations where searching occurs frequently on relatively static data. This algorithm is the foundation for many efficient data structures like binary search trees and is widely used in database systems, dictionaries, and numerous programming applications.