Understanding Merge Sort: Divide and Conquer Approach Merge sort is a divide and conquer algorithm that sorts an array by dividing it into subarrays, sorting those, and then merging them back together in sorted order. The process begins with splitting the main array until each subarray contains only one element. Once divided, these elements are merged back while maintaining their sorted sequence.
Recursive Division Process in Merge Sort The merge sort algorithm involves recursively dividing the input array based on index positions defined as low (starting position) and high (ending position). By calculating midpoints through integer division of low plus high by two, arrays are split further until single-element arrays remain. This recursive division continues until all elements can be individually processed for sorting.
Merging Subarrays for Sorted Output Merging starts once individual elements or small groups have been created; this requires comparing values from left and right subarrays to build a new ordered list. During merging, smaller values take precedence when populating the final sorted output array—this ensures correct ordering throughout the entire dataset being processed.
Efficient Merging Functionality The core of merge sort lies within its efficient merging function which checks conditions between current indices of both left (L[i]) and right (R[j]) segments to determine placement into a new combined structure B[]. If any remaining items exist after comparisons conclude due to reaching boundaries set during initial splits they too will be added sequentially ensuring no data loss occurs during processing steps leading up to completion.