Bubble Sort

Bubble Sort:

Bubble Sort is a simple sorting algorithm that repeatedly steps through the list to be sorted, compares adjacent elements, and swaps them if they are in the wrong order. The algorithm gets its name from the way smaller elements "bubble" to the top of the list, while larger elements "sink" to the bottom. Let's explore the key concepts and properties of Bubble Sort:


Algorithm Overview:

The basic idea behind Bubble Sort is to iterate through the list multiple times, comparing adjacent elements, and swapping them if they are out of order. This process continues until no more swaps are needed, indicating that the list is fully sorted.


Basic Steps:

  • Comparison: Bubble Sort starts by comparing the first two elements in the list.
  • Swapping: If the first element is greater than the second, they are swapped.
  • Iterative Passes: The algorithm continues to compare and swap adjacent elements in subsequent passes until the list is sorted.

Time Complexity:

Bubble Sort has a time complexity of O(n^2), making it inefficient for large lists. It is primarily used for educational purposes and is rarely used in practical applications.


Use Cases:

  • Education: Bubble Sort is often taught as a simple sorting algorithm to help beginners understand sorting concepts.
  • Small Lists: In cases where the list size is small and simplicity is prioritized over efficiency, Bubble Sort can be used.
  • Debugging: It can be useful for debugging and verifying the correctness of other sorting algorithms.