Algorithm Design Questions
The insertion sort algorithm is a simple sorting algorithm that works by repeatedly inserting elements from an unsorted portion of the list into their correct position in a sorted portion of the list.
The algorithm starts with the second element in the list and compares it with the elements before it. If the element is smaller, it is moved to the left until it reaches its correct position. This process is repeated for each element in the unsorted portion of the list until the entire list is sorted.
Here is a step-by-step explanation of the insertion sort algorithm:
1. Start with the second element in the list.
2. Compare this element with the elements before it.
3. If the element is smaller, move it to the left until it reaches its correct position.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each element in the unsorted portion of the list.
5. Continue this process until the entire list is sorted.
The insertion sort algorithm has a time complexity of O(n^2) in the worst case, where n is the number of elements in the list. It is an efficient algorithm for small lists or partially sorted lists, but it becomes less efficient for larger lists.