Linear Search Example in C

About this program

This is an example program in c searching programs. Read the concept first: C Array, then study the code and output below.

Definition:

• Linear search is also called sequential search
• Linear search is a method for searching a value within an array.
• It sequentially checks one by one of the arrays for the target element until a match is found or until all the elements have been searched of that array.

Why is the linear search also called sequential search?

• Linear search sequentially checks one by one of the collection(from 0th position to end) for the search element. So It is called sequential search.

Simple Linear Search Example Program (Sequential search)

/* Simple Linear Search Program in C*/
/* Data Structure Programs,C Array Examples */

#include<stdio.h>
#include<conio.h>

#define MAX_SIZE 5

int main() {
  int arr_search[MAX_SIZE], i, element;

  printf("Simple Linear Search Example - Array\n");
  printf("\nEnter %d Elements for Searching : \n", MAX_SIZE);
  for (i = 0; i < MAX_SIZE; i++)
    scanf("%d", &arr_search[i]);

  printf("Enter Element to Search : ");
  scanf("%d", &element);

  /* for : Check elements one by one - Linear */
  for (i = 0; i < MAX_SIZE; i++) {
    /* If for Check element found or not */
    if (arr_search[i] == element) {
      printf("Linear Search : %d is Found at array : %d.\n", element, i + 1);
      break;
    }
  }

  if (i == MAX_SIZE)
    printf("\nSearch Element : %d  : Not Found \n", element);

  getch();
}

Sample Output:

Simple Linear Search Example - Array

Enter 5 Elements for Searching :
500
400
300
200
111
Enter Element to Search : 200
Linear Search : 200 is Found at array : 4.

Related Pages

Learn the concept first, then study the code:

• Data Structures — Browse all Data Structures.
• C Array — Concept — search algorithms use array indexing.
• Simple Binary Searching Program in C — More in c searching programs.
• Simple Binary Searching Program using functions in C — More in c searching programs.