Searching in Data Structure: Different Search Methods Explained

As anyone who’s ever worked with data knows, searching is one of the most important operations you can perform. Given a set of data, you need to be able to find the specific items you’re looking for quickly and efficiently. The process of searching through data is known as algorithmics or algorithmic analysis. There are a variety of different search methods available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most popular search methods used today and explain when you should use each one.

Linear Search

There are many different search methods that can be used when searching through data. Linear search is one of the most basic and simplest search methods. It involves looking through a dataset for a specific value by sequentially checking each element in the dataset until the desired value is found or all elements have been checked with no match being found. Linear search is best suited for small datasets as it is not very efficient for large datasets. To perform a linear search, you simply start at the first element in the dataset and compare it to the value you are searching for. If it is not a match, you move on to the next element and continue checking until you either find a match or reach the end of the dataset without finding a match.

Binary Search

Binary search is a fast and efficient search method that can be used on sorted data structures. It works by repeatedly dividing the search space in half until the target value is found or the search space is exhausted.

To perform a binary search, the data structure must first be sorted in ascending or descending order. Then, the algorithm begins by comparing the target value to the middle element of the search space. If the target value is equal to the middle element, then the search is successful and the index of the middle element is returned.

If the target value is less than the middle element, then the algorithm searches the lower half of the search space. If the target value is greater than the middle element, then the algorithm searches the upper half of the search space. This process is repeated until either the target value is found or there are no more elements to search.

Hash Table

A hash table is a data structure that stores items in an array. Each item in the array has a key that is used to find its location in the array. Hash tables are used to store data in a way that makes it easy to find and retrieve items.

Hash tables are used to store data in a way that makes it easy to find and retrieve items. Hash tables are used to store data in a way that makes it easy to find and retrieve items.

Trie

A trie is a type of search tree—an ordered tree data structure used to store a dynamic set or associative array where the keys are usually strings. Unlike a binary search tree, no node in the tree stores the key associated with that node; instead, its position in the tree defines the key with which it is associated. All the descendants of a node have a common prefix of the string associated with that node, and the root is associated with an empty string. Values are not necessarily associated with every node. Rather, values tend to be associated with leaves, and with some inner nodes that correspond to keys of interest.

Conclusion

There are many different search methods that can be used when searching through data structures. The most common method is the linear search, but there are also other methods such as the binary search and the hash table search. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the right one for the task at hand. In general, linear search is the simplest and easiest to implement, but it is also the least efficient. The binary search is more efficient but requires that the data structure be sorted before it can be used. The hash table search is even more efficient but can be more difficult to implement.

For a better understanding and learning journey, it’s best that you join the exclusive Data Structures and Algorithms course by Skillslash where you master the theoretical concepts, work with top AI startups to implement those learnings and receive unlimited job referrals. Skillslash also offers  Data Science Course In Jaipur with placement guarantee, . Skillslash can help you get into it with its Full Stack Developer Course In Bangalore. Get in touch with the support team to know more.