What is bubble sort?
Bubble sort is a sorting algorithm used in computer programming to help sort a set of numbers in a sequence. It may also help with sorting products and project files for the project or product manager. A fundamental sorting method sorts the numbers in an ascending or descending order.
The algorithm works in the following manner. If there is a set of numbers X to Y, it compares all the adjacent numbers in this set and switches them according to the command given (ascending or descending order). For example, if the group is 5, 3, 4, 2, 1, and you want to arrange them in descending order, the algorithm will run once and switch between 4 and 3.
Similarly, if the sequence requires several number switchings, it will run severally until every number falls at the right place and the desired order is achieved. For example, consider sequences 2,1,5,4,3, and you want to arrange them in ascending order. If you run the algorithm, it will switch 1 and 2, then 4 and 5, then 3 and 5, and finally 3 and 4.
Why the Name Bubble Sort?
The name bubble sort is derived from each number ‘bubbles’ to its rightful place with each algorithm’s running. With each sorting process, a certain number will find its position at the top within the dataset, in a process nicknamed ‘bubbling’ just like a water bubble finds its way to the top.
In the first example, 4 bubbles its way to second place. Likewise, in the second example, one bubble to first place, four before 5, 3 before 5, and then before four with each data sorting process.
The sorting is also known as the sinking sort. The name is from the process where some numbers’ sink’ to the bottom. In the first example, three sinks to the third spot, while five sink continuously until the last position in the following example.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of the Bubble Sort Process?
One of the significant advantages of the bubble sort is that it is easy to feed and code to a computer. It only requires a simple feeding process, and you are good to go. If you need to sort a small dataset, it needs a simple running process and will switch the numbers to their rightful positions.
Further, you are okay and ready to use with a few code lines and inputs. You can also include it at any program stage, thus no hassle in its use.
Nevertheless, the bubble sort has a significant weakness. The algorithm is not ideal when dealing with large datasets. If you have 50 numbers to sort, you must compare the set 49 times. You might have to repeat the process 49 more times to ensure that each sort in the first phase was accurate.
Therefore, it is inefficient and may give erroneous results, yet you use a lot of time when running it. This means it should be avoided as a data sorting tool, especially if dealing with a colossal number sequence.
