I'm a newbie in algorithms. I have recently started studying binary search and tryed to implement it on my own. The task is simple: we have an array of integers a and an integer x. If a contains x the result should be its index, otherwise the function should return -1.
Here is the code I have written:
def binary_search(a, x):
l = 0
r = len(a)
while r - l > 0:
m = (l + r) // 2
if a[m] < x:
l = m
else:
r = m
if a[l] == x:
return l
return -1
But this code stucks in infinite cycle on a = [1, 2] and x = 2. I suppose, that I have incorrect cycle condition (probably, should be r - l >= 0), but this solution does not help. Where am I wrong?
Let me do some desk checking. I'll assume a = [1, 2] and we are searching for a 2
So we start with
l = 0
r = 2
Since r - l = 2 > 0, we enter the while-loop.
m = (l + r) / 2 = (0 + 2) / 2 = 1
a[m] = a[1] = 2 == x (hence not less than x)
r = m = 1 (and l remains the same)
Now r - l = 1 - 0 = 1 > 0, so we continue
m = (l + r) / 2 = (0 + 1) / 2 = 0
a[m] = a[0] = 1 < x
l = m = 0 (and r remains the same)
After this iteration both r and l have the same value as before, which then produces an endless loop.
Ashok's answer is a great fix. But I think it'll be educational to do some desk checking on the fixed code and look what improves it.
Basically the problematic situation arises, when l + 1 = r.
Then m will always evaluate to l, a[l] < x and l is set to m again, which doesn't change the situation.
In a larger piece of code it'll make sense to make a table that contains a column for each variable to watch and a column to write down the code line that was evaluated. A column for remarks won't harm either.