merge-sort
Recursive halving technique
Merge-sort is a sorting algorithm that works by repeatedly dividing a list in half until each piece contains one element, then merging the pieces back together in sorted order.
It's efficient and predictable—always O(n log n)—making it a standard choice for sorting large datasets.
The professor explained why merge-sort outperforms bubble sort on big arrays.
Merge, or harvesting machine
- interleaveInsert alternately between others
- two-pointerBasket worth deuce
- compareAssess relative likeness
- convergeMeet at a point
unify · coalesce · reassemble · stitch · recombine
Separation into parts
- halveDivide into two
- partitionBarrier separating spaces
- subdivideSplit into smaller portions
- bisectDivide into two equal portions
decompose · segment · subarray · sublist · midpoint · breakdown
Process invoking itself
- complexityState of being complicated
- top-downDirected from highest level
- bottom-upStarting from fundamentals
- subproblemDivided portion of challenge
in-place · out-of-place · worst-case · best-case · asymptotic · logarithmic
Ordered collection or display
- listSequence of recorded items
- elementsFundamental parts or substances
- integersNumbers without fractional components
- stringsThin flexible lines
records · keys · values · items · indices · input · output · collection
Moving upward
- descendingMoving downward
- comparatorTwo-input magnitude decider
- stabilityResistance to displacement
- lexicographicArranged in dictionary order
combine
Merge, or harvesting machine
- interleaveInsert alternately between others
- two-pointerBasket worth deuce
- compareAssess relative likeness
converge · unify · coalesce · reassemble · stitch · recombine
split
Separation into parts
bisect · decompose · segment · subarray · sublist · midpoint · breakdown
recursion
Process invoking itself
- complexityState of being complicated
- top-downDirected from highest level
- bottom-upStarting from fundamentals
subproblem · in-place · out-of-place · worst-case · best-case · asymptotic · logarithmic
array
Ordered collection or display
- listSequence of recorded items
- elementsFundamental parts or substances
- integersNumbers without fractional components
strings · records · keys · values · items · indices · input · output · collection
ascending
Moving upward
- descendingMoving downward
- comparatorTwo-input magnitude decider
- stabilityResistance to displacement
lexicographic · numerical · rank · unsorted