Bubble sort
What Bubble sort means in Computer Science GCSE, as defined for OCR, Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of Bubble sort
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Bubble sort in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
Repeatedly compares adjacent items and swaps them when out of order, so large values bubble to the end, with passes repeated until no swaps occur.
Repeatedly compares adjacent items in a list and swaps them when they are in the wrong order, so large values move to the end on each pass.
Topics that use Bubble sort
- Searching and sorting algorithms (OCR GCSE)
- Algorithms (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Related terms
- Binary search
- Linear search
- Merge sort
- Arithmetic operators
- Insertion sort
- Logic error
- Logical operators
- Modulus
Using Bubble sort in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Computer Science questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge