Why is it called Binary Search? Last Updated : 04 Mar, 2024 Comments Improve Suggest changes Like Article Like Report The term "Binary" in binary search refers to the use of a binary decision, which means a decision between two options. This term originated from the Binary Search algorithm's characteristic of halving the search space with each comparison. The binary search algorithm divides the input data into two halves and determines which half the target element is in. This process continues until the target element is found or the search space is empty. The binary nature of this division process gives rise to the name "Binary Search" Explanation of the Binary Search AlgorithmThe binary search algorithm is a highly efficient search algorithm used to find the position of a target value within a sorted array. It operates by comparing the target value with the middle element of the array. If the target value matches the middle element, the position is returned. If the target value is less than the middle element, the search continues in the lower half of the array. Similarly, if the target value is greater than the middle element, the search continues in the upper half of the array. This process of dividing the search interval in half is repeated until the target value is found or the search interval is empty. The Role of Binary Search in Computer ScienceBinary search plays a crucial role in computer science due to its efficiency and speed. It is utilized in a wide range of applications, including: Searching and retrieving items from large datasetsQuickly locating an element within a sorted list or arrayEfficiently determining if a value exists in a sorted collection of dataThe binary search algorithm's ability to rapidly narrow down the search space makes it invaluable for tasks that involve searching and sorting large amounts of data. Real-World Applications of Binary SearchBinary search is widely used in real-world scenarios, including: Searching and retrieving data in databasesImplementing search functionalities in software applications and websitesLocating items in sorted lists or arrays in programming and algorithmsIts speed and efficiency make it an ideal choice for applications requiring fast and reliable search operations. ConclusionIn conclusion, the name "Binary Search" is derived from the algorithm's characteristic of systematically dividing the search space in half with each comparison. This efficient and widely used search algorithm has a profound impact on computer science and is instrumental in a variety of real-world applications where fast and accurate search operations are essential. Comment More infoAdvertise with us Next Article Why is it called Binary Search? T tarunsarawgi_gfg Follow Improve Article Tags : Algorithms Searching DSA Binary Search Data Structures and Algorithms-QnA +1 More Practice Tags : AlgorithmsBinary SearchSearching Similar Reads Binary Search on Singly Linked List Given a sorted singly linked list and a key, the task is to find the key in the Linked List using Binary Search. Examples: Input: head = 1->4->7->8->9->10, key = 7Output: Present Input: LinkedList = 1->4->7->8->9->10, key = 12Output: Value Not PresentNote that Binary Se 10 min read What is Binary Search Tree A binary search tree (BST) is a binary tree in which the left subtree of a node contains only nodes with less value and the right subtree of a node contains only nodes with values greater than it. Binary Search TreeCharacteristics of Binary Search Tree: The properties of a binary search tree are as 3 min read std::binary_search() in C++ STL In C++, STL provide std::binary_search() function which implements binary search algorithm to check whether an element exists in the given sorted range. It is defined inside <algorithm> header file. In this article, we will learn about std::binary_search() function in C++.Example:C++// C++ Pro 3 min read Binary Search in PHP Binary Search is a searching technique used to search an element in a sorted array. In this article, we will learn about how to implement Binary Search in PHP using iterative and recursive way. Given a array of numbers, we need to search for the presence of element x in the array using Binary Search 3 min read Linear Search vs Binary Search Prerequisite: Linear SearchBinary SearchLINEAR SEARCH Assume that item is in an array in random order and we have to find an item. Then the only way to search for a target item is, to begin with, the first position and compare it to the target. If the item is at the same, we will return the position 11 min read Binary Search In JavaScript Binary Search is a searching technique that works on the Divide and Conquer approach. It is used to search for any element in a sorted array. Compared with linear, binary search is much faster with a Time Complexity of O(logN), whereas linear search works in O(N) time complexityExamples: Input : arr 3 min read What is Binary Search Algorithm? Binary Search is a searching algorithm used in a sorted array by repeatedly dividing the search interval in half and the correct interval to find is decided based on the searched value and the mid value of the interval. Example of binary searchProperties of Binary Search:Binary search is performed o 1 min read Is ternary search faster than binary search? Binary search is a widely used algorithm for searching a sorted array. It works by repeatedly dividing the search space in half until the target element is found. Ternary search is a variation of binary search that divides the search space into three parts instead of two. This article explores the p 3 min read Is there any search faster than Binary Search? No, there is no search faster than Binary Search. Binary Search is the fastest searching algorithm for sorted data. It takes O(log2N) time to search any element in the sorted search space. In this article, we will discuss about how Binary Search works, it time complexity, comparison with other searc 3 min read In what situation can we use binary search? Binary search is a powerful algorithm that can be used to find a target value within a sorted array. It works by repeatedly dividing the array in half until the target value is found or the array is empty. This makes binary search much faster than linear search, which must check every element in the 3 min read Like