Bogosort facts for kids

The Bogosort is considered one of the worst sorting algorithms. It works by creating random arrangements of given values and randomly moving them until they are sorted. It is not effective for any form of sorting.

Algorithm

The Bogosort first takes in a set of values from a user. Next it randomly arranges these values. If the values are now in a sorted order, then the function is finished, else the function repeats itself.

A working analogy for the Bogosort is to sort a deck of cards by throwing them into the air, picking them up at random, and repeating the process until they are sorted.

Implementation

1. Have a set of values to test.
2. Sort using Bogo (Randomly arrange values).
3. Check if the new arrangement of values is sorted.
4. If sorted, then end the function.
5. If not sorted, then repeat step 2.

Simple Example

Array = (3,1 ,5 ,7 ,8 ,9)

1st shuffling = (1,3,7,8,9,5)

2nd shuffling = (3,7,8,6,9,1)

3rd shuffling = (7,6,3,8,9,1)

4th shuffling = (6,7,8,9,3,1)

5th shuffling = (3,6,7,8,9,1)

(continued shuffling) ...

(After final shuffling): Sorted Array = (1,3,6,7,8,9)

Coding Example

The following code is done in Python 3:

import random 

def is_sorted(data): 
    for i in range(len(data) - 1): 
        if data[i] > data[i + 1]:
            return False
        return True

def bogosort(data):
    while not is_sorted(data): 
        random.shuffle(data)
    return data

Images for kids

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  Experimental runtime of bogosort

See also

In Spanish: Stupid sort para niños