From 0 to 1 Data Structures & Algorithms in Java - Binary Search - search quickly through a sorted list

The video tutorial explains the inefficiency of linear search in sorted lists and introduces binary search as a more efficient alternative. It details how binary search works by repeatedly dividing the search area in half, using a midpoint to determine which half to continue searching. An example is provided to illustrate the process, followed by a walkthrough of the iterative code implementation of binary search. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of understanding binary search, especially for technical interviews.

Why is a linear search not ideal for finding an element in a sorted list?

• It is too complex to implement.

• It only works for unsorted lists.

• It does not take advantage of the sorted order.

• It requires additional memory.

What is the main advantage of using binary search over linear search?

• It can search unsorted lists.

• It requires less memory.

• It is faster due to halving the search area.

• It is easier to implement.

In binary search, what is the first step after identifying the midpoint of the list?

• Check if the midpoint is the largest element.

• Sort the list again.

• Remove the midpoint from the list.

• Check if the midpoint is the element you are searching for.

During a binary search, if the search element is greater than the midpoint, what should you do next?

• Restart the search.

• Search the first half of the list.

• Search the second half of the list.

• Search both halves of the list.

What is the purpose of the 'min' and 'max' variables in the binary search implementation?

• To store the indices of the first and last elements.

• To count the number of elements.

• To track the current search range.

• To store the smallest and largest elements.

How does binary search determine the next search area?

• By checking the entire list again.

• By removing elements from the list.

• By sorting the list.

• By comparing the search element with the midpoint.

What is the time complexity of binary search?

• O(n)

• O(n^2)

• O(log n)

• O(1)

Why is binary search a favorite topic in programming interviews?

• It is rarely used in real-world applications.

• It is a common problem-solving technique.

• It is easy to implement.

• It is the only search algorithm.

What happens if the search element is not found in the list using binary search?

• The function returns the first index.

• The function returns -1.

• The function returns 0.

• The function returns the last index.

Which of the following is true about binary search?

• It is slower than linear search.

• It can be implemented both iteratively and recursively.

• It can only be implemented iteratively.

• It requires the list to be unsorted.