Linear Search
Implement the linear search algorithm to find elements in an array by checking each element sequentially. This fundamental algorithm introduces you to algorithmic thinking and time complexity analysis with O(n) worst-case performance.
Data Structures & Algorithms Project
The difficulty level shown is relative to other DSA projects. This project assumes you're comfortable with C++ fundamentals including classes, pointers, and memory management. If you're new to C++, we recommend completing our core C++ lessons first.
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What You'll Build
A complete linear search implementation with functions to find single elements, find all occurrences, and search with custom conditions using predicates.
Learning Objectives
- Understand how linear search examines elements sequentially
- Analyze O(n) time complexity for best, worst, and average cases
- Implement linear_search() returning index or -1 for not found
- Create find_all() to locate all occurrences of a value
- Use predicates for flexible conditional searching
- Recognize when linear search is the appropriate choice
Project Steps
Understanding Linear Search
Learn how linear search works by examining each element sequentially and understand when to use this fundamental algorithm.
Template-Based Linear Search
Convert the linear search function to a template that works with any data type using std::array, enabling reusable search functionality.
Finding All Occurrences and Conditional Search
Extend linear search with find_all() to locate multiple occurrences, find_if() for predicate-based searching, and count() to count matches.
Interview Prep
Practice common interview questions about linear search, time complexity, and algorithm selection.