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Selection Sort

Learn about selection sort, a straightforward algorithm for arranging data by repeatedly selecting the minimum element.

Selection Sort
Sorting
easy

Published At

6/4/2021

Reading Time

~ 2 min read

Write a function that takes in an array of integers and returns a sorted version of that array. Use the Selection Sort algorithm to sort the array.

If you're unfamiliar with Selection Sort, we recommend watching the Conceptual Overview section of this question's video explanation before starting to code.

Sample Input

js
array = [8, 5, 2, 9, 5, 6, 3]
js
array = [8, 5, 2, 9, 5, 6, 3]

Sample Output

js
[2, 3, 5, 5, 6, 8, 9]
js
[2, 3, 5, 5, 6, 8, 9]

Hints

Hint 1

Divide the input array into two subarrays in place. The first subarray should be sorted at all times and should start with a length of 0, while the second subarray should be unsorted. Find the smallest (or largest) element in the unsorted subarray and insert it into the sorted subarray with a swap. Repeat this process of finding the smallest (or largest) element in the unsorted subarray and inserting it in its correct position in the sorted subarray with a swap until the entire array is sorted.

Optimal Space & Time Complexity

Best: O(n^2) time | O(1) space - where n is the length of the input array Average: O(n^2) time | O(1) space - where n is the length of the input array Worst: O(n^2) time | O(1) space - where n is the length of the input array

Solution-1
js
function selectionSort(array) {
  // Write your code here.
	for (let i = 0; i < array.length; i++) {
		let smallest = i;
		for (let j = i; j < array.length; j ++) {
			if (array[j] < array[smallest]) {
				smallest = j;
			}
		}
		let temp = array[i];
		array[i] = array[smallest];
		array[smallest] = temp;
	}
	return array
}
Solution-1
js
function selectionSort(array) {
  // Write your code here.
	for (let i = 0; i < array.length; i++) {
		let smallest = i;
		for (let j = i; j < array.length; j ++) {
			if (array[j] < array[smallest]) {
				smallest = j;
			}
		}
		let temp = array[i];
		array[i] = array[smallest];
		array[smallest] = temp;
	}
	return array
}

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Have a wonderful day.
Abhishek 🙏

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