Linear search pattern

Code pattern

Jump to a topic

See every item in the sequence

Definition

Check each item in order until found or the end is reached; set a Found flag, loop through and stop on a match.

Example

found = False; for i in list: if i == target: found = True

Found in: past SDD papers.

Where you'll use it in the test

Syllabus area: Code patterns.

Question types it can appear in

Pseudocode: Linear search (familiarisation Q8)
Python: Write or complete it in the online Python tool.

Where it has appeared in the paper

The Software Engineering Project (Part C). Part letters follow each paper’s own layout.

How to use it

A model sentence

General advice, built from the definition and example above

Code pattern: “Check each item in order until found or the end is reached; set a Found flag, loop through and stop on a match.” Then apply it: found = False; for i in list: if i == target: found = True

In a short answer, give the definition in your own words first, then tie it to the situation in the question. Do not copy the example above unless it fits the scenario.

Official worked answer

Familiarisation Q8 (3 marks): Algorithm design (linear search) (3 marks): official criteria and sample answer

Criteria

3: Correctly modifies the algorithm to achieve its intended purpose. 2: Corrects some mistakes. 1: Some understanding of the problem.

Sample answer

BEGIN Search (SearchItem) Set LastIndex to the number of elements in ItemArray Found = FALSE Index = 1 WHILE Found = FALSE AND Index < LastIndex + 1 IF ItemArray(Index) = SearchItem THEN Found = TRUE ENDIF Index = Index + 1 ENDWHILE IF Found = TRUE THEN Display 'Position', Index - 1 ELSE Display 'Not found' ENDIF END Search

Open the question page

Go deeper

Flashcard: Linear search pattern in Code Patterns: Pseudocode, Python, SQL, CSS (Years 11 and 12) · study that set
Memorise: Python and SQL you must be able to write
Full term page: every question, note and marking comment for Linear search pattern

Check yourself

Write or say the “Linear search pattern” pattern from memory: the syntax and what it does.

Reveal the answer