Space Time Trade Off in Sorting
Space Time Trade Off in Sorting
Sorting
This presentation explores the space-time trade-off, a method to
solve problems faster using more memory, or with less memory over
a longer time. We will specifically apply this concept to sorting
algorithms.
by K.Geethanjali
Understanding Distribution Sort
Category Overview Ideal Conditions
Distribution sort is a broad category of non-comparison- It works best when data is uniformly distributed or has a
based algorithms. It sorts elements by distributing them known, limited range. Examples include Bucket Sort,
into groups based on value characteristics. Counting Sort, and Radix Sort.
Deep Dive into Counting
Sort
Non-Comparison Example
Based For [1, 4, 3, 2, 2, 1], output
Counting Sort is efficient is [1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 4]. The
for small input value input range is small.
ranges. It directly counts
occurrences.
Repetition Handling
This algorithm effectively handles repeated numbers within the
array.
Counting Sort Algorithm
Steps
Find Maximum Element
Determine the largest value in the input array.
Store Counts
Populate countArray with the frequency of each unique
element from the input array.
Completing Counting Sort
Cumulative Sum
Calculate the prefix sum of countArray. This helps place elements
correctly in the output array.
Place Elements
Place each element into the output array using the
adjusted countArray values.
Advantages of Distribution Sort
Simple Faster Easy to Code Stable
Implementation Performance The algorithm is
Algorithm
Counting sort often relatively simple to It preserves the
The core logic is outperforms write. relative order of
straightforward to comparison-based equal elements.
implement. algorithms like
Merge Sort.
Disadvantages and
Applications
Limitations
Counting sort does not work with decimal values. It is inefficient
for very large value ranges. It is not an in-place sorting algorithm,
requiring extra space.
Key Applications
It's used for limited range items, like sorting students by grades
or events by time. It serves as a subroutine in Radix Sort and
influences Bucket Sort.
Counting Sort: Efficient and Stable