Unravel the Code! 2025 Algorithms Analysis Test – Ace It Like a Pro!

Counting sort is a non-comparison-based sorting algorithm that operates differently from comparison sorts like merge sort, bubble sort, and quick sort. It works by counting the occurrences of each distinct element in the input array, which allows it to determine the position of each element in the sorted output without ever directly comparing them.

This algorithm is particularly efficient when the range of input values (the difference between the maximum and minimum values) is not significantly greater than the number of elements being sorted. The time complexity of counting sort is O(n + k), where n is the number of elements in the input array and k is the range of the input values. This makes counting sort very effective for sorting integers or other data types that can be mapped to integers in a limited range.

In contrast, the other sorting algorithms mentioned—merge sort, bubble sort, and quick sort—are all based on the principle of comparing elements to one another to organize them into a sorted order. Understanding the nature of counting sort as a non-comparison-based algorithm highlights its unique approach and efficiency for specific types of data.