Bubble Sort is one of the simplest sorting algorithms in computer science. It operates by repeatedly stepping through the list of elements, comparing adjacent items, and swapping them if they are in the wrong order. Although it is not the most efficient algorithm for large datasets, it is often used as an educational tool to introduce sorting concepts due to its simplicity.
How Bubble Sort Works
Bubble Sort derives its name from the way elements “bubble up” to their correct positions, similar to bubbles rising to the surface of water. The process involves:
1. Comparing each pair of adjacent elements in an array.
2. Swapping the elements if they are in the wrong order (e.g., if the first element is larger than the second in ascending order).
3. Repeating the process for each pair of adjacent elements until the array is fully sorted.
The algorithm continues to iterate over the array until no swaps are needed, indicating that the array is sorted.
Algorithm Complexity
Best Case (Already Sorted): O(n)
Average Case: O(n²)
Worst Case (Reverse Order): O(n²)
Space Complexity: O(1), as it is an in-place sorting algorithm.
Step-by-Step Example
Consider the array [5, 3, 8, 6].
1. First Pass:
Compare 5 and 3 → Swap → [3, 5, 8, 6]
Compare 5 and 8 → No Swap → [3, 5, 8, 6]
Compare 8 and 6 → Swap → [3, 5, 6, 8]
2. Second Pass:
Compare 3 and 5 → No Swap → [3, 5, 6, 8]
Compare 5 and 6 → No Swap → [3, 5, 6, 8]
No swaps are needed in the second pass, so the algorithm stops.
Python Implementation
# Bubble Sort Implementation
def bubble_sort(arr):
n = len(arr)
for i in range(n):
swapped = False
for j in range(0, n-i-1):
if arr[j] > arr[j+1]:
arr[j], arr[j+1] = arr[j+1], arr[j] # Swap
swapped = True
# If no two elements were swapped, the list is sorted
if not swapped:
break
# Example Usage
array = [64, 34, 25, 12, 22, 11, 90]
bubble_sort(array)
print(“Sorted Array:”, array)
Schematic Diagram
1. Input: [5, 3, 8, 6]
2. After First Pass: [3, 5, 6, 8]
3. After Second Pass: [3, 5, 6, 8]
Advantages
1. Simple and easy to understand.
2. Requires minimal code.
3. Effective for small datasets.
Disadvantages
1. Inefficient for large datasets due to O(n²) complexity.
2. Performs unnecessary comparisons even if the array is partially sorted.
Conclusion
Bubble Sort is a foundational algorithm often used to teach basic sorting concepts. Although it is not suitable for high-performance applications, understanding it provides valuable insights into algorithm design and optimization techniques.
The article above is rendered by integrating outputs of 1 HUMAN AGENT & 3 AI AGENTS, an amalgamation of HGI and AI to serve technology education globally.