Binary Search (Recursive)

Binary Search Algorithm in C++ (Recursive Implementation)

BeginnerTopic: Sorting & Searching Programs
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C++ Binary Search (Recursive) Program

This program helps you to learn the fundamental structure and syntax of C++ programming.

Try This Code
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int binarySearchRecursive(int arr[], int left, int right, int key) {
    if (left <= right) {
        int mid = left + (right - left) / 2;
        
        if (arr[mid] == key) {
            return mid;  // Found at index mid
        }
        
        if (arr[mid] > key) {
            return binarySearchRecursive(arr, left, mid - 1, key);
        }
        
        return binarySearchRecursive(arr, mid + 1, right, key);
    }
    
    return -1;  // Not found
}

int main() {
    int arr[] = {11, 12, 22, 25, 34, 64, 90};
    int n = sizeof(arr) / sizeof(arr[0]);
    int key;
    
    cout << "Sorted array: ";
    for (int i = 0; i < n; i++) {
        cout << arr[i] << " ";
    }
    cout << endl;
    
    cout << "Enter element to search: ";
    cin >> key;
    
    int result = binarySearchRecursive(arr, 0, n - 1, key);
    
    if (result != -1) {
        cout << "Element found at index: " << result << endl;
    } else {
        cout << "Element not found in array" << endl;
    }
    
    return 0;
}
Output
Sorted array: 11 12 22 25 34 64 90
Enter element to search: 25
Element found at index: 3

Understanding Binary Search (Recursive)

Binary Search recursive implementation uses function calls to divide the search space. Time Complexity: O(log n). Space Complexity: O(log n) due to recursion stack. It's more elegant but uses more memory than iterative version. Both implementations have the same time complexity.

Note: To write and run C++ programs, you need to set up the local environment on your computer. Refer to the complete article Setting up C++ Development Environment. If you do not want to set up the local environment on your computer, you can also use online IDE to write and run your C++ programs.

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