From 0 to 1 Data Structures & Algorithms in Java - Shell Sort

The video tutorial explains Shell Sort, an algorithm that improves upon Insertion Sort by partitioning the list into sublists based on a chosen increment. Each sublist is sorted using a modified insertion sort, and the increment is gradually reduced to one, resulting in a nearly sorted list. The tutorial includes a visual example and discusses the complexity of Shell Sort, which varies depending on the increment values chosen. The algorithm is adaptive and requires no extra space, making it efficient for certain use cases.

What is the primary advantage of Shell Sort over Insertion Sort?

• It requires fewer comparisons.

• It improves time complexity by sorting sublists.

• It is easier to implement.

• It uses less memory.

How does Shell Sort initially partition the list?

• By dividing it into equal halves.

• By creating sublists based on a chosen increment.

• By using a random partitioning method.

• By sorting the entire list first.

What happens to the increment value during the Shell Sort process?

• It remains constant.

• It is increased gradually.

• It is randomly changed.

• It is reduced until it reaches one.

In the example provided, what was the initial increment value used?

• 3

• 2

• 4

• 5

What is the role of the modified Insertion Sort in Shell Sort?

• To handle sublists based on a start index and increment.

• To randomly shuffle the list.

• To reduce the list size.

• To sort the entire list at once.

How is the increment value typically chosen in Shell Sort?

• It is chosen randomly.

• It is half the length of the list.

• It is always set to 1.

• It is double the length of the list.

What is a key feature of Shell Sort regarding space usage?

• It requires additional space for sorting.

• It uses a large amount of memory.

• It uses no extra space.

• It requires space proportional to the list size.

What is the complexity range of Shell Sort?

• Between O(n) and O(n^2)

• Between O(n^3) and O(n^4)

• Between O(n^2) and O(n^3)

• Between O(log n) and O(n)

Why is Shell Sort considered adaptive?

• It adapts to different data types.

• It adjusts its increment based on the list size.

• It performs well on nearly sorted lists.

• It changes its algorithm based on input size.

What is the best-case complexity of Shell Sort when using specific increments?

• O(n log n)

• O(n^2)

• O(n^1.5)

• O(n)