Searching Algorithms Questions
The main difference between binary search and interpolation search lies in the way they determine the position of the target element within the sorted array.
Binary search divides the array into two equal halves and compares the target element with the middle element. If the target is smaller, it continues searching in the left half, and if the target is larger, it continues searching in the right half. This process is repeated until the target element is found or the search space is exhausted.
On the other hand, interpolation search uses a formula to estimate the probable position of the target element within the array. It calculates the position based on the values of the first and last elements, and the target's value. This estimation allows interpolation search to make a more informed guess about where the target element might be located. It then adjusts the search range accordingly and repeats the process until the target element is found or the search space is exhausted.
In summary, while binary search always divides the search space in half, interpolation search estimates the position of the target element based on its value, allowing for a more efficient search in certain cases.