Question

with python

Write a function called linear_search which consumes a sorted list of integers and a number and linearly searches for the number in the list. Your function should return how many comparisons were made in order to find the element in the list. If the element is not in the list, your linear search should return -1 For example:

Answer 1

"""

Author:
Date :3/5/17
File Name:linear_search.py
Description:

"""


def linear_search(data, item):
    """
    Return the index of element if found else -1
    :param data: 
    :param item: 
    :return: 
    """

    for i in range(len(data)):
        if data[i] == item:  # check if item is equal to data[i]
            return i+1
    return -1


if __name__ == '__main__':
    alon = [1, 3, 4]
    print(linear_search(alon, 3))

    alon = [4]
    print(linear_search(alon, 3))

output:

2 -1 Process finished with exit code 0