There are basically two aspects of computer programming. One is data organization also commonly called as data structures. Till now we have seen about data structures and the techniques and algorithms used to access them. The other part of computer programming involves choosing the appropriate algorithm to solve the problem. Data structures and algorithms are linked each other. After developing programming techniques to represent information, it is logical to proceed to manipulate it. This chapter introduces this important aspect of problem solving.
Searching is used to find the location where an element is available. There are two types of search techniques. They are:
- Linear or sequential search
- Binary search
Sorting allows an efficient arrangement of elements within a given data structure. It is a way in which the elements are organized systematically for some purpose. For example, a dictionary in which words is arranged in alphabetical order and telephone director in which the subscriber names are listed in alphabetical order.
There are many sorting techniques out of which we study the following.
- Bubble sort
- Quick sort
- Selection sort and
- Heap sort
There are two types of sorting techniques:
- Internal sorting
- External sorting
If all the elements to be sorted are present in the main memory then such sorting is called internal sorting on the other hand, if some of the elements to be sorted are kept on the secondary storage, it is called external sorting.
