Smallest element in an array
Detailed guide and Python implementation for the 'Smallest element in an array' problem.
Problem Statement
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.
- •1 <= len(arr) <= 1000
- •-10^6 <= arr[i] <= 10^6
Examples
arr = [1, 4, 3, -5, 15]
-5
Among all elements, -5 is the smallest.
arr = [10, 20, 5, 8]
5
5 is the minimum value in the array.
arr = [-3, -7, -1, -9]
-9
Among all negative numbers, -9 is the smallest.
Need a Hint?
Edge Cases to Watch
- Empty input structures
- Single element inputs
- Large numerical bounds
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