C PROGRAMMING PROGRAM • ARRAYS, SEARCHING & SORTING
Sort an Array Using Quick Sort
Learn how to sort an array using quick sort using a clear C program.
PROBLEM UNDERSTANDING
Input and expected output
Sample input
7 10 7 8 9 1 5 3
Sample output
1 3 5 7 8 9 10
COMPLETE C PROGRAM
Complete C implementation
#include <stdio.h>
int partition(int values[], int low, int high)
{
int pivot = values[high], smaller = low - 1;
for (int index = low; index < high; index++) {
if (values[index] <= pivot) {
smaller++;
int temporary = values[smaller]; values[smaller] = values[index]; values[index] = temporary;
}
}
int temporary = values[smaller + 1]; values[smaller + 1] = values[high]; values[high] = temporary;
return smaller + 1;
}
void quickSort(int values[], int low, int high)
{
if (low < high) {
int pivot = partition(values, low, high);
quickSort(values, low, pivot - 1);
quickSort(values, pivot + 1, high);
}
}
int main(void)
{
int size, values[100];
scanf("%d", &size);
if (size < 1 || size > 100) return 1;
for (int index = 0; index < size; index++) scanf("%d", &values[index]);
quickSort(values, 0, size - 1);
for (int index = 0; index < size; index++) printf("%d%c", values[index], index == size - 1 ? '\n' : ' ');
return 0;
}CURRENT STEP
SELECTED LINE
EXPECTED OUTPUT FOR THE SAMPLE
1 3 5 7 8 9 10
Step 0 of 0
PROGRAM EXPLANATION
Algorithm and explanation
- Read the required input values.
- Partition around a pivot and recursively sort the values on both sides.
- Display the computed result.
Partition around a pivot and recursively sort the values on both sides.
EFFICIENCY
Time and space complexity
Time complexity
O(n log n) average
Auxiliary space
O(log n) average
DEBUGGING CHECKLIST
Common mistakes
Check this
Use the correct format specifier for every variable.
Check this
Initialize variables before using their values.
Check this
Check braces, semicolons and input order carefully.
Try it yourself
Practice: Run the program with the sample input, predict its output, and then test one boundary case of your own.
