Algorithm Vision
Sorting AlgorithmsBeginner

Selection Sort

Finds the smallest element and moves it to the front repeatedly. Each iteration "selects" the minimum from remaining elements and places it after the sorted portion. Simple to implement with minimal memory usage, but always takes O(n²) time regardless of input.

#sorting#comparison#in-place#unstable

Complexity Analysis

Time (Average)

O(n²)

Expected case performance

Space

O(1)

Memory requirements

Time (Best)

O(n²)

Best case performance

Time (Worst)

O(n²)

Worst case performance

Step: 1 / 0
500ms
SlowFast
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Real-time Statistics

Algorithm Performance Metrics

Progress0%
Comparisons
0
Swaps
0
Array Accesses
0
Steps
1/ 0

Algorithm Visualization

Step 1 of 0

Initialize array to begin

Default
Comparing
Swapped
Sorted

Code Execution

Currently executing
Previously executed

Implementation

Related Algorithms

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Bubble Sort

Beginner

The most basic sorting algorithm that repeatedly compares adjacent elements and swaps them if they are in wrong order. Like bubbles rising to the surface, larger values gradually move to the end of the array. Best suited for small datasets or educational purposes to understand sorting fundamentals.

O(n²)
O(1)
sortingcomparison
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Quick Sort

Intermediate

A highly efficient sorting algorithm that selects a pivot element and partitions the array with smaller values on the left and larger on the right. Averages O(n log n) and is the most widely used sorting method in practice. Forms the foundation of built-in sort functions in most programming languages.

O(n log n)
O(log n)
sortingdivide-and-conquer
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Heap Sort

Advanced

Uses a binary heap data structure by first building a max heap, then repeatedly extracting the root element to sort. Guarantees O(n log n) time complexity in all cases without requiring extra memory. Also serves as the foundation for priority queue implementations.

O(n log n)
O(1)
sortingheap
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Selection Sort - Algorithm Vision