Searching in Data Structures: Types, Techniques and Methods

Searching in data structures involves finding a specific element efficiently within a collection of data. Common types of searches include:

1. Linear Search: Sequentially checks each element from start to end.

2. Binary Search: Efficiently finds an element in a sorted array by repeatedly dividing the search interval in half.

3. Hashing: Uses hash functions to map keys to positions for quick retrieval.

4. Tree-based Searches: Utilizes tree structures like binary search trees or balanced trees for efficient searching.

Search techniques may vary based on data structure properties, such as sorted or unsorted data, and can employ algorithms like depth-first search (DFS) or breadth-first search (BFS) for traversal. Effective searching minimizes time complexity and optimizes performance in various applications.