Merge Sort is a divide-and-conquer sorting algorithm that splits the input array into smaller subarrays, sorts each subarray, and then merges them back together in sorted order.
Core Characteristics
- Efficient for large datasets due to its predictable time complexity
- Stable sorting algorithm that preserves the relative order of equal elements
- Requires additional memory for the temporary arrays used during merging
Key Operations
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Sort() This operation divides the array into two halves, sorts each half, and then merges them back together in sorted order. This process is repeated until the entire array is sorted.. Complexity: O(n log n) - Log-linear time operation
Common Applications
- Sorting large datasets or data that cannot fit entirely in memory
- Used in scenarios where stability and predictable performance are critical
- Applicable in parallel processing and external sorting