Linear Scan
Linear scan is a fundamental algorithmic technique that involves sequentially processing each element in a data structure, such as an array or list, exactly once. It is a simple, brute-force approach used for tasks like searching, counting, or applying operations to all items. This method has a time complexity of O(n), making it efficient for small datasets but potentially slow for large ones compared to more advanced algorithms.
Developers should learn linear scan for basic data processing tasks where simplicity and ease of implementation are prioritized, such as validating input data, finding the maximum or minimum value in a small collection, or performing initial data exploration. It is particularly useful in scenarios where data is unsorted or when the overhead of more complex algorithms (e.g., binary search) is not justified, such as in quick scripts or early prototyping phases.