Engineering English
Binary Search
Software Engineering · Last updated: July 30, 2026 · How this entry was written
Definition: An efficient algorithm for finding a target value within a sorted array by repeatedly dividing the search interval in half. It reduces the time complexity to O(log n).
Example in context
“To find the insertion point in a sorted list, the developer implemented a binary search that runs in logarithmic time.”
“Sıralı bir listede ekleme noktasını bulmak için geliştirici, logaritmik zamanda çalışan bir ikili arama uyguladı.”
Where engineers use it
Binary search is essential when working with sorted data in databases, search engines, or any system requiring fast lookups. Engineers apply it in debugging, implementing autocomplete features, and analyzing algorithm complexity.
Synonyms: logarithmic search, half-interval search
Antonyms: linear search
Practice: can you use “Binary Search” at work?
You are optimizing a phonebook app that currently uses linear search. A colleague suggests binary search. Describe how binary search improves performance.
Show a model answer
“Could you rewrite this linear search as a binary search?”
“Binary Search” in 21 languages
| English | Binary Search |
|---|---|
| Turkish | ikili arama |
| French | recherche binaire |
| German | binäre Suche |
| Spanish | búsqueda binaria |
| Chinese | 二分查找 |
| Arabic | البحث الثنائي |
| Portuguese | busca binária |
| Russian | бинарный поиск |
| Japanese | 二分探索 |
| Italian | ricerca binaria |
| Vietnamese | tìm kiếm nhị phân |
| Hindi | बाइनरी सर्च |
| Thai | การค้นหาแบบทวิภาค |
| Indonesian | pencarian biner |
| Korean | 이진 검색 |
| Bengali | বাইনারি অনুসন্ধান |
| Dutch | binair zoeken |
| Swedish | binärsökning |
| Finnish | binäärihaku |
| Ukrainian | бінарний пошук |
Frequently asked questions
What does Binary Search mean in engineering?
An efficient algorithm for finding a target value within a sorted array by repeatedly dividing the search interval in half. It reduces the time complexity to O(log n). In Software Engineering, the term carries a usage-frequency rating of 10/10 in the Engineering English library.
How do you pronounce Binary Search?
Binary Search is pronounced /ˈbaɪnəri sɜːrtʃ/ (IPA). The Engineering English app plays audio for the term and checks your pronunciation with speech recognition.
How is Binary Search used in a sentence?
Example from an engineering context: “To find the insertion point in a sorted list, the developer implemented a binary search that runs in logarithmic time.”
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