Binary Search
Detailed guide and Python implementation for the 'Binary Search' problem.
1. Concept Overview
The 'Binary Search' problem is a key challenge in the Binary Search section.
This implementation focuses on easy-level logic in Python.
We prioritize technical accuracy and code readability in our provided solutions.
2. Real-World Applications
3. Visual Intuition
Visualizing the logic flow for Binary Search.
4. Prerequisites
5. Step-by-Step Thinking
1. Understand the problem
Read the problem statement for Binary Search carefully.
2. Formulate brute force
Draft a simple iterative solution.
3. Identify inefficiency
Look for redundant calculations.
4. Optimize search path
Use hashing or sorting to speed up the process.
5. Final Implementation
Clean up the code for production standards.
Problem Statement
Given an array of integers nums which is sorted in ascending order, and an integer target, write a function to search target in nums. If target exists, return its index. Otherwise, return -1.
You must write an algorithm with O(log n) runtime complexity.
Write a function search(nums: List[int], target: int) -> int.
- •1 <= len(nums) <= 10^4
- •-10^4 < nums[i], target < 10^4
- •All integers in nums are unique
- •nums is sorted in ascending order
Examples
nums = [-1, 0, 3, 5, 9, 12], target = 9
4
9 exists in nums and its index is 4.
nums = [-1, 0, 3, 5, 9, 12], target = 2
-1
2 does not exist in nums so return -1.
Need a Hint?
Edge Cases to Watch
- Empty input structures
- Single element inputs
- Large numerical bounds
Ready to Solve?
Open the problem in PyRun's browser-based Python editor. Your code runs fully offline — no server required.
Interview Insights & Variations
Complexity Analysis Breakdown
Why Time: Directly evaluates all possibilities.
Why Space: Uses standard local memory.
Why Time: Optimized paths reduce total operations.
Why Space: May trade memory for speed.
Optimized Solution Python Code
Optimized Solution Python Code
def binary_search_opt(arr, x):
l, r = 0, len(arr) - 1
while l <= r:
mid = l + (r - l) // 2
if arr[mid] == x:
return mid
if arr[mid] < x:
l = mid + 1
else:
r = mid - 1
return -1Brute Force Code (Spoiler Guarded)
Brute Force Code (Spoiler Guarded)
def binary_search_recursive(arr, x, l, r):
if r >= l:
mid = l + (r - l) // 2
if arr[mid] == x:
return mid
elif arr[mid] > x:
return binary_search_recursive(arr, x, l, mid - 1)
else:
return binary_search_recursive(arr, x, mid + 1, r)
return -1Algorithm Pattern Checklist
When dealing with Binary Search data patterns.
Core Prerequisites
Revision Key Notes
Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
Related Questions
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