Binary Search
Binary search is an efficient algorithm for finding a target value within a sorted array or list by repeatedly dividing the search interval in half. It works by comparing the target value to the middle element of the array and eliminating half of the remaining elements based on the comparison, significantly reducing the search space with each step. This algorithm has a time complexity of O(log n), making it much faster than linear search for large datasets.
Developers should learn binary search when working with sorted data structures where fast lookup is critical, such as in databases, search engines, or any application requiring efficient data retrieval. It is essential for optimizing performance in scenarios like finding elements in sorted arrays, implementing autocomplete features, or solving algorithmic problems in coding interviews and competitive programming.