Sorting algorithms are a fundamental concept in computer science, and they play a crucial role in many applications. Here's a brief overview of some popular sorting algorithms.

Types of Sorting Algorithms

  1. Comparison-based Algorithms:

    • Bubble Sort: Simple but inefficient for large datasets.
    • Selection Sort: Inefficient, but simple to implement.
    • Insertion Sort: Efficient for small datasets and nearly sorted arrays.
  2. Non-comparison-based Algorithms:

    • Merge Sort: Efficient with a time complexity of O(n log n).
    • Quick Sort: Very efficient with an average time complexity of O(n log n).
    • Heap Sort: In-place algorithm with a time complexity of O(n log n).

Examples

Bubble Sort

def bubble_sort(arr):
    n = len(arr)
    for i in range(n):
        for j in range(0, n-i-1):
            if arr[j] > arr[j+1]:
                arr[j], arr[j+1] = arr[j+1], arr[j]
    return arr

Merge Sort

def merge_sort(arr):
    if len(arr) > 1:
        mid = len(arr) // 2
        L = arr[:mid]
        R = arr[mid:]

        merge_sort(L)
        merge_sort(R)

        i = j = k = 0

        while i < len(L) and j < len(R):
            if L[i] < R[j]:
                arr[k] = L[i]
                i += 1
            else:
                arr[k] = R[j]
                j += 1
            k += 1

        while i < len(L):
            arr[k] = L[i]
            i += 1
            k += 1

        while j < len(R):
            arr[k] = R[j]
            j += 1
            k += 1
    return arr

Resources

For more information on sorting algorithms, you can visit our Sorting Algorithms Guide.