![\"\"](\"https:\/\/prepbytes-misc-images.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/1674706281533-fastest%20sorting%20algorithm.jpg\")
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The quest for the fastest sorting algorithm has been a cornerstone of computer science for decades. Sorting algorithms are essential tools used to organize data into a specific order efficiently. However, with various sorting algorithms available, each boasting its strengths and weaknesses, the question of which one is the fastest remains a subject of interest and debate. In this article, we delve into the world of sorting algorithms, explore some of the fastest contenders, and analyze the factors that influence their performance. By understanding the trade-offs between speed, memory usage, and input characteristics, we can make informed decisions about selecting the most suitable sorting algorithm for specific scenarios. Let\u2019s see which is the fastest sorting algorithm?<\/p>\n
Quick sort is the fastest sorting algorithm. The quick sort algorithm works in O(n*logn) time for the best and average cases. Now, we will understand the quick sort(fastest sorting algorithm) in detail.<\/p>\n
In the selection sort algorithm, first, a random element is picked up from an array which is called the pivot. The pivot divides the array into two parts and this process continues until the array becomes sorted.<\/p>\n
There are various ways to select the pivot element from the array.<\/p>\n
After selecting a pivot, we need to partition around that pivot. The partition() function is very important in quick sorting. If we selected pivot p after that, we need to put all the smaller elements than p to the left side of p and all the greater elements to the right side of the p. Let\u2019s see how the partition() function works using an example.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/prepbytes-misc-images.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/1674706281732-fastest%20sorting%20algorithm1.png\")
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In the above example, first, we have chosen the last element (5) as a pivot element and we can see that we have divided the array into two subarrays around 5. For the left subarray, we have again chosen the last element (4) as a pivot and we did partition around 4. For the right subarray, we have again chosen the last element (8) as a pivot and we did partition around 8. We will repeat this process until the partition size is less than or equal to 1.<\/p>\n
Pseudo code for the Quick Sort:<\/p>\n
quick_sort(array[], low, high){\n if(low < high){\n \/\/ find the right position for the pivot element\n p=partition(array, low, high)\n\n \/\/ perform quick_sort on the left subarray\n quick_sort(array[], low, p-1)\n\n \/\/ perform quick_sort on the right subarray\n quick_sort(array[], p+1, high)\n }\n}<\/code><\/pre>\nPseudo code for the partition():<\/strong><\/p>\npartition(array[], low, high){\n \/\/ select the last element as a pivot\n pivot = array[high]; \n\n i = (low \u2013 1) \/\/ Index of the smaller element and indicates the \n \/\/ right position of pivot found so far\n\n for (j = low; j <= high- 1; j++){\n\n \/\/ If the current element is smaller than the pivot\n if (array[j] pivot (80 > 30) so we will not do anything and move ahead.<\/code><\/pre>\nQuick Sort (Fastest Sorting Algorithm) with an Example Dry-Run:<\/h2>\n
Let\u2019s take an example to understand how partition works in the quick sort algorithm.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/prepbytes-misc-images.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/1674706281733-fastest%20sorting%20algorithm2.png\")
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First, we will choose the pivot element from the above array.
\npivot = last element = 30<\/p>\n
We will also initialize two variables,
\ni=0
\nj=0<\/p>\n
Now, let\u2019s see how the partition() function works.<\/p>\n
Run a loop for j = low to j = high-1<\/p>\n
First pass (i=0, j=0):<\/strong>
\nWe will compare arr[j] with pivot, in this case, arr[0] > pivot (80 > 30) so we will not do anything and move ahead.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/prepbytes-misc-images.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/1674706281752-fastest%20sorting%20algorithm3.png\")
<\/p>\n
Second pass (i=0, j=1):<\/strong>
\nWe will compare arr[j] with pivot, in this case, arr[1] > pivot (70 > 30) so we will not do anything and move ahead.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/prepbytes-misc-images.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/1674706281752-fastest%20sorting%20algorithm4.png\")
<\/p>\n
Third pass (i=0, j=2):<\/strong>
\nWe will compare arr[j] with pivot, in this case, arr[2] > pivot (60 > 30) so we will not do anything and move ahead.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/prepbytes-misc-images.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/1674706281753-fastest%20sorting%20algorithm5.png\")
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Fourth pass (i=0, j=3):<\/strong>
\nWe will compare arr[j] with pivot, in this case, arr[3] 30) so we will swap arr[i] (80) and arr[j] (20) and increment the value of i.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/prepbytes-misc-images.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/1674706281763-fastest%20sorting%20algorithm6.png\")
<\/p>\n
After performing the swap, the array will look like the one below.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/prepbytes-misc-images.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/1674706281763-fastest%20sorting%20algorithm7.png\")
<\/p>\n
Fifth pass (i=0, j=4):<\/strong>
\nWe will compare arr[j] with pivot, in this case, arr[4] 30) so we will swap arr[i] (70) and arr[j] (10) and increment the value of i.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/prepbytes-misc-images.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/1674706281763-fastest%20sorting%20algorithm8.png\")
<\/p>\n
After performing the swap, the array will look like the one below.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/prepbytes-misc-images.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/1674706281764-fastest%20sorting%20algorithm9.png\")
<\/p>\n
Sixth pass (i=0, j=5):<\/strong>
\nWe will compare arr[j] with pivot, in this case, arr[5] > pivot (900 > 30) so we will not do anything and move ahead.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/prepbytes-misc-images.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/1674706281784-fastest%20sorting%20algorithm10.png\")
<\/p>\n
After completion of all the passes, in the end, we will swap arr[i] (60) and pivot (30).<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/prepbytes-misc-images.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/1674706281784-fastest%20sorting%20algorithm11.png\")
<\/p>\n
After performing the swap, the array will look like the one below.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/prepbytes-misc-images.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/1674706281784-fastest%20sorting%20algorithm12.png\")
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In the above image, we can see that the pivot element (30) is in its right position. All the elements left to the pivot are smaller than the pivot and all the elements right to the pivot are greater than the pivot.<\/p>\n
Quick Sort Program:<\/h2>\n
We know how quick sort algorithm work. Now, let\u2019s see how to write the program for quick sorting (the fastest sorting algorithm).<\/p>\n
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