Algorithm Description
This program demonstrates the Linear Search algorithm, a simple technique to search for an element in a list. It sequentially checks each element of the list until the target is found or the end of the list is reached. If the target element is found, its index is returned; otherwise, -1 indicates it was not found. This approach is commonly used for small or unsorted data.
Real-Life Use Cases
- Finding a Contact in a Phonebook: When searching for a contact in a small, unsorted list, a linear search can quickly locate the contact by checking each entry one by one.
- Checking Attendance: In schools or events, a linear search can be used to verify if a specific individual's name appears on a manually sorted or unsorted attendance list.
- Inventory Lookup: In a small retail shop, linear search can be used to find a specific item in an unsorted inventory list. For instance, checking if a product with a specific ID or name is available.