Quick sort, a highly efficient sorting algorithm, stands out due to its divide-and-conquer approach. This article delves into implementing quick sort in C, highlighting its efficiency and optimal performance in sorting data.

Understanding the Quick Sort Mechanism

Quick sort operates by selecting a ‘pivot’ element from the array and partitioning the other elements into two sub-arrays, according to whether they are less than or greater than the pivot. The sub-arrays are then sorted recursively.

Implementing Quick Sort in C

The implementation of quick sort in C involves two primary functions: partition() and quickSort(). Here’s a detailed breakdown:

The partition() Function

int partition(int arr[], int low, int high) {
    int pivot = arr[high];  
    int i = (low - 1);

    for (int j = low; j <= high- 1; j++) {
        if (arr[j] < pivot) {
            i++;
            swap(&arr[i], &arr[j]);
        }
    }
    swap(&arr[i + 1], &arr[high]);
    return (i + 1);
}

The quickSort() Function

void quickSort(int arr[], int low, int high) {
    if (low < high) {
        int pi = partition(arr, low, high);

        quickSort(arr, low, pi - 1);
        quickSort(arr, pi + 1, high);
    }
}

Auxiliary swap() Function

void swap(int* a, int* b) {
    int t = *a;
    *a = *b;
    *b = t;
}

Key Features of Quick Sort

1. Divide and Conquer Strategy: Splits the array and sorts the sub-arrays.
2. In-Place Sorting: Does not require additional space.
3. Time Complexity: Average and best case – O(n log n), worst case – O(n^2).

Conclusion

Quick sort in C offers a blend of efficiency and speed, making it a go-to choice for sorting large datasets. Understanding and implementing this algorithm enhances your skill set in data structure management and algorithm optimization.

Related Contents

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• C Quicksort: C Explained
• Java Partition List: Java Explained
• Partition List Java: Java Explained
• Python Partition List: Python Explained