What is the optimal time complexity of solving Smallest element in an array?

The optimized solution achieves a time complexity of O(n) by using sorting, mathematical shortcuts, or hash table lookups.

What is the auxiliary space complexity for Smallest element in an array?

The space complexity is O(1) since we only use a minimal/constant amount of extra memory for tracking variables (or auxiliary space if dynamic structures are allocated).

What are the typical edge cases we must handle in Smallest element in an array?

Key edge cases include empty collections, negative or large bounds causing integer overflow, arrays with only one element, or inputs where target criteria are not met.

How can we optimize the brute force approach for Smallest element in an array?

Brute force methods often inspect all possible combinations. We optimize this by sorting the input list to enable binary search, or tracking processed items in a set to avoid redundant nested loop lookups.

Back to Practice Dashboard

Python BasicsEasy

Smallest element in an array

Learn how to solve the 'Smallest element in an array' problem. This detailed resource details brute force and optimized approaches.

Mode Selected

Problem Statement

Easy

Write a function find_smallest(arr) that finds and returns the smallest element in the given array arr using recursion. The function takes a list of integers as input and returns a single integer — the minimum value in the list.

Constraints

•1 <= len(arr) <= 1000
•-10^6 <= arr[i] <= 10^6

Examples

Example 1

Input

arr = [1, 4, 3, -5, 15]

Output

-5

Explanation

Among all elements, -5 is the smallest.

Example 2

Input

arr = [10, 20, 5, 8]

Output

Explanation

5 is the minimum value in the array.

Example 3

Input

arr = [-3, -7, -1, -9]

Output

-9

Explanation

Among all negative numbers, -9 is the smallest.

Need a Hint?

Use simple arithmetic operators (like modulo `%`, division `//`), conditional checks, or loops to inspect number properties.

Edge Cases to Watch

Empty list or null input variables
Single item lists/arrays
Extremely large input bounds causing integer or stack overflow

Ready to Solve?

Open the problem in PyRun's browser-based Python editor. Your code runs fully offline — no server required.

Open in Editor