Sorting and searching algorithms are fundamental operations in computer science that are used to organize and retrieve data efficiently. In C, there are several common sorting and searching algorithms that can be used to process arrays of data.
1. Bubble Sort: Bubble sort is a simple sorting algorithm that repeatedly steps through the array, compares adjacent elements and swaps them if they are in the wrong order. Bubble sort has a time complexity of O(n^2) in the worst case.
2. Insertion Sort: Insertion sort is a simple sorting algorithm that builds the final sorted array one item at a time. It iterates over the array and inserts each element in its proper place. Insertion sort has a time complexity of O(n^2) in the worst case.
3. Selection Sort: Selection sort is a simple sorting algorithm that sorts an array by repeatedly finding the minimum element from the unsorted part of the array and putting it at the beginning. Selection sort has a time complexity of O(n^2) in the worst case.
4. Quick Sort: Quick sort is a popular sorting algorithm that uses a divide-and-conquer strategy to sort an array. It selects a pivot element and partitions the array into two sub-arrays, one with elements less than the pivot and the other with elements greater than or equal to the pivot. It then recursively applies the same process to each sub-array. Quick sort has a time complexity of O(n log n) in the average case.
5. Merge Sort: Merge sort is a popular sorting algorithm that uses a divide-and-conquer strategy to sort an array. It divides the array into two halves, recursively sorts each half, and then merges the two halves back together. Merge sort has a time complexity of O(n log n) in the worst case.
6. Binary Search: Binary search is a searching algorithm that works on sorted arrays. It repeatedly divides the search interval in half until the target value is found or the interval is empty. Binary search has a time complexity of O(log n).
In addition to these algorithms, there are other advanced sorting and searching algorithms, such as shell sort, heap sort, radix sort, and interpolation search. The choice of algorithm depends on the size of the data set, the characteristics of the data, and the desired performance characteristics.