Sorting algorithms are procedures used to arrange elements in a list or array in a certain order, typically in ascending or descending order. They vary in complexity, efficiency, stability, and adaptability to different scenarios. Below, I will explain various sorting algorithms, provide examples, and offer a comparative table.

1. Bubble Sort

Description: Bubble Sort is a simple comparison-based algorithm that repeatedly steps through the list, compares adjacent elements, and swaps them if they are in the wrong order. This process is repeated until the list is sorted.

Example:

• Input: [5, 3, 8, 4, 2]
• First pass: [3, 5, 4, 2, 8] → [3, 4, 2, 5, 8] → [3, 2, 4, 5, 8] → [2, 3, 4, 5, 8] (Sorted)

Time Complexity:

• Best: O(n)
• Average: O(n^2)
• Worst: O(n^2)

2. Selection Sort

Description: Selection Sort divides the input list into two parts: a sorted and an unsorted part. It repeatedly selects the smallest (or largest) element from the unsorted part and moves it to the sorted part.

Example:

• Input: [29, 10, 14, 37, 13]
• 1st pass: [10, 29, 14, 37, 13] (10 is selected)
• 2nd pass: [10, 13, 14, 37, 29] (13 is selected)
• continues until sorted: [10, 13, 14, 29, 37]

Time Complexity:

• Best: O(n^2)
• Average: O(n^2)