Linear Search

Sequential O(n) scan — check every element until target found or end reached. Works on any data, sorted or not.

Best: O(1) Avg/Worst: O(n) Space: O(1) Unsorted OK In-place
slow fast
Default (unchecked)
Currently scanning
Mismatch (skipped)
Match found
Searching for target:—
Step
0/0
Position i
—
Comparisons
0
Result
—

Algorithm Trace

Press Start to run linear search.
for i := 0; i < n; i++ { if a[i] == target { return i } } return -1