Binary Search
Binary Search efficiently finds a target value in a sorted array by repeatedly dividing the search interval in half.
BeginnerTime: O(log n)Space: O(1)
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## How Binary Search Works
Binary Search is an efficient algorithm for finding an element in a sorted array. It works by repeatedly dividing the search interval in half.
### Algorithm Steps:
1. Start with the entire sorted array
2. Compare target with the middle element
3. If target equals middle, we're done
4. If target < middle, search left half
5. If target > middle, search right half
6. Repeat until found or interval is empty
### Key Characteristics:
- **Efficient**: O(log n) time complexity
- **Requires sorted array**: Must sort first if unsorted
- **Divide and conquer**: Halves search space each step
Time & Space Complexity
| Case | Time Complexity |
|---|---|
| Best | O(1) |
| Average | O(log n) |
| Worst | O(log n) |
| Space | O(1) |
Practice Problems
10 problems81 total points
1
Basic Binary Search
Beginner5 pts
2
Search Insert Position
Beginner5 pts
3
First Bad Version
Beginner5 pts
4
Find First and Last Position
Intermediate8 pts
5
Find Peak Element
Intermediate8 pts
6
Search in Rotated Sorted Array
Advanced10 pts
7
Find Minimum in Rotated Sorted Array
Advanced10 pts
8
Median of Two Sorted Arrays
Advanced10 pts
9
Kth Smallest Element in Sorted Matrix
Advanced10 pts
10
Split Array Largest Sum
Advanced10 pts