Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
A linear search is a simple searching algorithm that checks each element in a list or array one by one until the target value is found or the end of the list is reached.
Another term for linear search. It refers to searching through elements in a sequential order until finding the desired value.
Complete Traversal: The process of examining every element in a data structure, such as an array or list, without stopping early even if the target value is found.
A more efficient search algorithm that divides a sorted list into halves and compares the middle element with the target value to determine which half to continue searching.