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Random Initial Order

Animation, code, analysis, and discussion of 8 sorting algorithms on random initial order.

How to use: Press "Play all", or choose the    button.

Play All
Play animation
Insertion
Play animation
Selection
Play animation
Bubble
Play animation
Shell
Play animation
Merge
Play animation
Heap
Play animation
Quick
Play animation
Quick3

DISCUSSION

A random initial order is often used to evaluate sorting algorithms in order to elucidate the “typical” case and to facilitate mathematical analysis. For some applications, however, this does not represent the typical case, so conclusions drawn here do not generalize.

Here we see the vast difference in speed between the O(n2) elementary sorting algorithms (insert, selection, bubble) and the more advanced algorithms.

KEY

  • Black values are sorted.
  • Gray values are unsorted.
  • A red triangle marks the algorithm position.
  • Dark gray values denote the current interval (shell, merge, quick).
  • A pair of red triangles marks the left and right pointers (quick).

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