Bubble Sort
Bubble Sort is a simple comparison-based sorting algorithm that repeatedly steps through a list, compares adjacent elements, and swaps them if they are in the wrong order. The algorithm gets its name because smaller elements 'bubble' to the top of the list with each pass, similar to bubbles rising in water. It is often used as an introductory example in computer science education to teach sorting concepts and algorithm analysis.
Developers should learn Bubble Sort primarily for educational purposes, as it provides a clear, intuitive introduction to sorting algorithms, time complexity analysis (O(nĀ²) in worst and average cases), and basic algorithmic thinking. It is useful in scenarios where simplicity and ease of implementation are prioritized over efficiency, such as in small datasets or when teaching programming fundamentals, but it is not recommended for production use due to its inefficiency compared to more advanced algorithms.