What is Sorting Techniques in Data Structure - Quick Guide

Table of Contents [show]

Sorting Techniques in data structures give order to information. As a result, it makes it simpler to look for things. Moreover, it organizes the data by size, characteristics, or list, so you can grab the one you want without any trouble. Different sorting methods also help us identify data elements and decide which should come first. In short, sorting is the best way to arrange stuff, which makes searching more effortless and faster. When we have a large amount of scattered data, it becomes crucial to organize it. Sorting is like assigning each piece of information its designated place, which makes it very convenient to find when needed.

Types of Sorting Techniques

Here, we have various types of sorting algorithms.

1. Comparison-based: This technique assists in arranging things by asking questions like 'Is this bigger than that?' Moreover, it involves bubble sort analysis, insertion sort, selection sort, quick sort, merge sort, and heap sort.
2. Non-comparison-based: This sorting technique doesn’t aid in asking those 'bigger or smaller' questions. It includes counting and radix sorts.

Now, we will discuss the necessity of this technique in DSA.

Importance of Sorting Algorithms

Sorting algorithms are essential in computer science as they simplify formidable problems. In short, these algorithms are applicable in various computer applications, including data organization, searching, solving complex issues, and manipulating information arrangement. So, the upcoming section will elaborate on the importance of sorting techniques in DSA.
 

• Sometimes, you have loads of different sets of information. However, it can get messy.
• Sorting is like putting them in order, making it easier to find what you need.
• It helps to create a list where things are in a specific order, from smallest to biggest or vice versa.
• When you have a giant pile of data, you may require a large scale of space. But if you sort the data, finding what you want becomes super quick.
• Sorting helps to make a map for finding things faster. If you sort your data, you can use a Binary search, which is the best way of finding what you're looking for.
• You can use it in computer software and for solving more complicated problems.

Alright, we’ve described the importance of sorting techniques. Now, we will elaborate on the typical algorithms of the sorting process.

Common List of Sorting Algorithms

Here, we will discuss some typical sorting techniques.

Selection sort

Selection sorting is an organized way of organizing them. However, it makes the smallest numbers find their proper places first.

How Does Selection Sort Work?

Step 1: First Pass

Let’s take an example of an array as: 64, 25, 12, 22, 11.

First, we start with the initial position, where 64 is hanging out. As a result, we look through the entire array and find that 11 is the smallest. So, we swapped 64 with 11, and now, 11 takes the lead.

Step 2: Second Pass

Now, we focus on the second position, where 25 is chilling. We search through the remaining array and find 12 as the second smallest. Swap 25 with 12, and now 12 has its spot.

Step 3: Third Pass

After that, move on to the third spot, where 25 is still standing. After scanning, we spot 22 as the third smallest. Then, swap 25 with 22, and now 22 settles into its place.

Step 4: Fourth Pass

Next, we look at the fourth position, where 25 is waiting. Among the rest, 25 is the fourth smallest, so no swapping is needed here.

Step 5: Fifth Pass

Finally, we reached the last position. However, the biggest number, 64, automatically finds its way to the end.

After these steps, the array is all sorted:

11 12 22 25 64

And just like that, selection sort tidies up your array. Moreover, it puts the numbers in order from the smallest to the largest.

Bubble Sort Analysis

Bubble Sorting is a simple and friendly way of sorting numbers. It is the best sorting technique in data structure.

How Bubble Sort Works:

Here, we will learn the workings of the bubble sorting techniques.

Step 1: First Pass

• First, bubble sort looks at the first two numbers and checks which one is bigger.
• If the first one is bigger than the second, they swap places.
• Then, keep doing this for the entire set of numbers.
• After the first pass, the biggest number finds its spot at the end.

Step 2: Second Pass

• Now, we start over, looking at the first two numbers again.
• If the first one is bigger than the second, they swap.
• Further, keep going through the numbers until the second pass is done.

Step 3: Third Pass

• Then, repeat the process, checking and swapping if needed.
• If no swapping happens during a whole pass, Bubble Sort knows the numbers are in order, and it stops.

Example:

Let's say we have this set of numbers: 5, 1, 4, 2, 8.

After a few passes, the numbers start finding their places:

• First pass: 1, 4, 2, 5, 8
• Second pass: 1, 2, 4, 5, 8
• Third pass: 1, 2, 4, 5, 8

Bubble Sort organizes your numbers. Moreover, it compares adjacent numbers and swaps them until everything is in order, from the tiniest to the largest.

In addition, we have other sorting techniques in the following section.

Insertion Sort

Insertion Sort arranges your playing cards in your hands, making sure they're all in order.

How Insertion Sort Works:

Step 1: First Pass

• First, start with the first two numbers: 12 and 11.
• After that, compare them and swap because 12 is more oversized.
• Now, you have a small sorted section with 11 and 12.

Step 2: Second Pass

• Then, move to the following two numbers: 13 and 5.
• Further, swap them to make sure they're in order.
• Now, you have 11, 12, and 5, but 5 isn’t in the right place yet.

Step 3: Third Pass

• Now, work with 13 and 5.
• Keep swapping until everything is in order.
• After a few swaps, you've got 5, 11, 12, and 13.

Step 4: Fourth Pass

• Moving ahead, continue the process with the following two numbers: 13 and 6.
• Then, swap them until they're all sorted.
• After a few swaps, you've got 5, 6, 11, 12, and 13 – all nicely organized.

And there you have it! Insertion Sort arranges numbers, one at a time. Moreover, it makes sure they're all in the proper order.

Merge Sort

Merge Sort is the best sorting technique in the data structure way of sorting numbers.

How Merge Sort Works:

Here, we will elaborate on the working of the merging sort.

Step 1: Divide and Conquer

Suppose you have a list of numbers. Merge Sort breaks it into two halves, and each half is further divided into smaller parts until you end up with tiny groups.

Step 2: Sorting Each Part

Moreover, each of these tiny groups gets sorted individually.

Step 3: Combining Sorted Parts

Now, Merge Sort starts combining these sorted groups into bigger, sorted groups.

How It Looks in Action:

First, let's take the array [38, 27, 43, 3, 9, 82, 10] as an example.

• Merge Sort divides it into smaller groups, like [38, 27, 43] and [3, 9, 82, 10].
• Each of these groups gets further divided until you have individual numbers.
• Then, it starts merging them back together in a sorted way, for example, comparing and combining [27, 38, 43] with [3, 9, 10, 82] to make a fully sorted list.

Merge Sort is the best system that breaks down a big problem into smaller, manageable pieces, sorts them out, and cleverly combines everything into a neat and orderly arrangement.

Conclusion

In short, sorting techniques are helpful tools used to arrange items in a specific order. By figuring out where each item belongs, it becomes easier for us to locate what we need. Whether it's organizing your belongings in real life or arranging data on your computer, sorting is an effective method to make everything more organized and meaningful. So, the next time you tidy up your thoughts or your digital storage, keep in mind that sorting is the best way to make things easy to locate.

Frequently Asked Questions