Efficient Searching: Binary Search Algorithm Implementation in Java #java #searching
Channel: Algolab
Date: 06/04/2024

Efficient Searching: Binary Search Algorithm Implementation in Java

Binary search is a fundamental algorithm used to efficiently locate a target value within a sorted array or list. The basic idea behind binary search is to repeatedly divide the search interval in half until the target value is found or the interval becomes empty.

Here's how binary search works:

1. Initialization: Begin with the entire sorted array or list.

2. Midpoint Calculation: Calculate the midpoint of the array.

3. Comparison: Compare the target value with the value at the midpoint.

4. Adjustment of Search Interval:
   - If the target value is equal to the midpoint value, the search is successful, and the index of the midpoint is returned.
   - If the target value is less than the midpoint value, discard the right half of the array (since the target, if present, must be in the left half).
   - If the target value is greater than the midpoint value, discard the left half of the array (since the target, if present, must be in the right half).

5. Repeat: Repeat steps 2-4 on the remaining portion of the array until the target value is found or the search interval becomes empty.

Binary search has a time complexity of O(log n), where n is the number of elements in the array. This makes it significantly faster than linear search algorithms, especially for large datasets.

However, it is important to note that binary search can only be applied to sorted arrays or lists. If the data is unsorted, it must first be sorted before binary search can be performed effectively.

0:00 Intro
0:25 Main method
3:57 Execution/run code