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What is Binary Search Algorithm?

Last Updated : 23 Jul, 2025

Binary Search is a searching algorithm used in a sorted array by repeatedly dividing the search interval in half and the correct interval to find is decided based on the searched value and the mid value of the interval.

👁 Example of binary search
Example of binary search

Properties of Binary Search:

  • Binary search is performed on the sorted data structure for example sorted array. 
  • Searching is done by dividing the array into two halves. 
  • It utilizes the divide-and-conquer approach to find an element.

Pre-requisites to apply Binary Search Algorithm:

For applying binary search in any data structure, the data structure must satisfy the following two conditions:

  • The data structure is sorted.
  • Any random element of the data structure can be directly accessed i.e., can be accessed in constant time.

Applications of Binary Search:

  • The binary search operation is applied to any sorted array for finding any element. 
  • Binary search is more efficient and faster than linear search. 
  • In real life, binary search can be applied in the dictionary.
  • Binary search is also used to debug a linear piece of code.
  • Binary search is also used to find if a number is a square of another or not.

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