Exploring Linear Search Algorithm: Strategies And Best Practices

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On this tutorial, you’ll be taught concerning the linear search algorithm. Additionally, you will discover working examples of linear search in Python. Linear search is the only looking out algorithm that searches for a component in a listing in sequential order. We begin at one finish and test each factor till the specified factor isn’t discovered.

How Linear Search Works?

The next steps are adopted to seek for a component ok = 1 within the checklist beneath.

Ranging from the primary factor, evaluate ok with every factor x.
If x == ok, return the index.
Else, return not discovered.

Linear Search Algorithm


LinearSearch(array, key)
  for every merchandise within the array
    if merchandise == worth
      return its index

LinearSearch(array, key)

for every merchandise within the array

if merchandise == worth

return its index

Python Examples


# Linear Search in Python


def linearSearch(array, n, x):

    # Going by array sequencially
    for i in vary(0, n):
        if (array[i] == x):
            return i
    return -1


array = [2, 4, 0, 1, 9]
x = 1
n = len(array)
end result = linearSearch(array, n, x)
if(end result == -1):
    print("Ingredient not discovered")
else:
    print("Ingredient discovered at index: ", end result)