13. Merge Sort
Merge sort is an efficient sorting algorithm that uses a divide-and-conquer approach by recursively splitting arrays into halves, sorting each half, and then merging the sorted halves. This method significantly reduces the time complexity compared to simpler algorithms like selection sort and insertion sort, making it suitable for larger arrays. The merging step is crucial as it combines the two sorted halves into a fully sorted array.
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What we have learnt
- Merge sort works by breaking an array into smaller sub-arrays, sorting them, and merging them back together.
- The merge function efficiently combines two sorted arrays into one sorted array.
- The algorithm can handle arrays of any size, regardless of whether they are even or odd.
Key Concepts
- -- Divide and Conquer
- An algorithmic paradigm that solves a problem by breaking it down into smaller sub-problems, solves each sub-problem independently, and combines their solutions.
- -- Merge Function
- The process of combining two sorted arrays into a single sorted array, which is essential for the merge sort algorithm.
- -- Recursive Algorithm
- An algorithm that calls itself with a subset of the original problem to solve smaller instances until reaching a base case.
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