INSERTION SORT Meaning and
Definition
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Insertion sort is a basic sorting algorithm that operates by iterating through an array or list, sequentially comparing each element with its preceding ones, and inserting it in the correct position within the already sorted section of the array. It is called an insertion sort because it works by inserting each element into its proper place, shifting the subsequent elements, if necessary, to make room for the insertion.
The algorithm starts with the second element of the array and progressively examines each element, comparing it to the ones that come before, until it finds its correct position. This process is repeated until all elements have been sorted. Insertion sort is considered an in-place sorting algorithm as it requires only a constant amount of additional memory to perform its operations.
Insertion sort has an average-case time complexity of O(n^2), making it less efficient than some other sorting algorithms for larger datasets. However, it performs well with smaller lists or arrays that are partially sorted or almost sorted. Its simplicity and ease of implementation make it a popular choice for small-scale sorting tasks or as the base case for more complex algorithms.
Overall, insertion sort is a straightforward sorting algorithm that processes elements one by one, inserting each element into its proper position within the already sorted portion of the array, until all elements are correctly placed.
Etymology of INSERTION SORT
The term insertion sort is derived from the way this sorting algorithm operates. It is called insertion because it works by inserting each element from an unsorted portion of the list into its correct position within a sorted portion of the list. As the algorithm progresses, it inserts each element into its proper place, hence the name insertion sort.
