Search Algorithms
Computer Science: OCR A Level, topic 8.1.8
Search Algorithms
Searching is a classic computer science problem. It involves finding a certain value in a set of other values.
Search algorithms
- A search algorithm is a set of instructions for finding a specific item of data within a data set.
- Computer systems can store and process billions of pieces of data so it is vital that computers can find the information they need efficiently.
Effective searching
- An effective search is one which will always either find the solution or determine that the target data is not present.
Efficient searching
- An efficient search will find the solution quickly regardless of its location within the data set.
Examples of search algorithms
- Two common search algorithms are:
- Linear search.
- Binary search.
Test yourself on Search Algorithms
What is an efficient search?