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    Computer Science GCSE

    Linear search

    What Linear search means in Computer Science GCSE, as defined for OCR, Pearson Edexcel.

    Definitions of Linear search

    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 Linear search in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.

    Reference: Pearson Edexcel

    Checks each item from the start of a list in turn until the target is found or the list ends, so it works on unsorted data.
    Pearson Edexcel · Algorithms
    Inspects each item in turn from the start until the target is found or the list ends, and works on any list, sorted or not.
    OCR · Searching and sorting algorithms (study guide)

    Topics that use Linear search

    Related terms

    Using Linear search 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.

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