Algorithm
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Getting Started with AlgorithmWhat is an Algorithm?
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Characteristics of Algorithm1 Topic
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Analysis Framework
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Performance Analysis3 Topics
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Mathematical Analysis2 Topics
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Sorting AlgorithmSorting Algorithm10 Topics
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Searching Algorithm6 Topics
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Fundamental of Data StructuresStacks
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Queues
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Graphs
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Trees
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Sets
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Dictionaries
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Divide and ConquerGeneral Method
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Binary Search
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Recurrence Equation for Divide and Conquer
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Finding the Maximum and Minimum
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Merge Sort
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Quick Sort
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Stassen’s Matrix Multiplication
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Divide and Conquer
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Decrease and ConquerInsertion Sort
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Topological Sort
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Greedy MethodGeneral Method
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Coin Change Problem
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Knapsack Problem
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Job Sequencing with Deadlines
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Minimum Cost Spanning Trees2 Topics
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Single Source Shortest Paths1 Topic
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Optimal Tree Problem1 Topic
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Transform and Conquer Approach1 Topic
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Dynamic ProgrammingGeneral Method with Examples
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Multistage Graphs
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Transitive Closure1 Topic
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All Pairs Shortest Paths6 Topics
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BacktrackingGeneral Method
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N-Queens Problem
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Sum of Subsets problem
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Graph Coloring
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Hamiltonian Cycles
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Branch and Bound2 Topics
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0/1 Knapsack problem2 Topics
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NP-Complete and NP-Hard Problems1 Topic
Participants2253
Insertion Sort
Insertion sort works in the similar way as we sort cards in our hand in a card game.
We assume that the first card is already sorted then, we select an unsorted card. If the unsorted card is greater than the card in hand, it is placed on the right otherwise, to the left. In the same way, other unsorted cards are taken and put at their right place.
A similar approach is used by insertion sort.
Insertion sort is a sorting algorithm that places an unsorted element at its suitable place in each iteration.
How Insertion Sort Works?

Suppose we need to sort the following array.
- The first element in the array is assumed to be sorted. Take the second element and store it separately in
key
. Comparekey
with the first element. If the first element is greater thankey
, then key is placed in front of the first element.

2. Now, the first two elements are sorted.
Take the third element and compare it with the elements on the left of it. Placed it just behind the element smaller than it. If there is no element smaller than it, then place it at the beginning of the array.

3. In a similar way, place every unsorted element at its correct position.


Insertion Sort Algorithm
insertionSort(array)
mark first element as sorted
for each unsorted element X
'extract' the element X
for j <- lastSortedIndex down to 0
if current element j > X
move sorted element to the right by 1
break loop and insert X here
end insertionSort
Insertion Sort Program in C
// Insertion sort in C
#include <stdio.h>
void printArray(int array[], int size)
{
for (int i = 0; i < size; i++)
{
printf("%d ", array[i]);
}
printf("\n");
}
void insertionSort(int array[], int size)
{
for (int step = 1; step < size; step++)
{
int key = array[step];
int j = step - 1;
while (key < array[j] && j >= 0)
{
// For descending order, change key<array[j] to key>array[j].
array[j + 1] = array[j];
--j;
}
array[j + 1] = key;
}
}
int main()
{
int data[] = {9, 5, 1, 4, 3};
int size = sizeof(data) / sizeof(data[0]);
insertionSort(data, size);
printf("Sorted array in ascending order:\n");
printArray(data, size);
}
Complexity
Time Complexities
- Worst Case Complexity:
O(n2)
Suppose, an array is in ascending order, and you want to sort it in descending order. In this case, worse case complexity occers.
Each element has to be compared with each of the other elements so, for every nth element,(n-1)
number of comparisons are made.
Thus, the total number of comparisons =n*(n-1) ~ n
2
- Best Case Complexity:
O(n)
When the array is already sorted, the outer loop runs forn
number of times whereas the inner loop does not run at all. So, there is onlyn
number of comparison. Thus, complexity is linear.
- Average Case Complexity:
O(n2)
It occurs when the elements of a array are in jumbled order (neither ascending nor descending).
Space Complexity
Space complexity is O(1)
because an extra variable key
is used.
Insertion Sort Applications
The insertion sort is used when:
- the array is has a small number of elements
- there are only a few elements left to be sorted