Our Objective

To implement a program that sorts the given elements using selection sort algorithm. 

The Theory

Selection sort is a simple sorting algorithm that sorts an array by repeatedly finding the minimum element from unsorted part of the array and placing it at the beginning of the sorted part of the array. The algorithm maintains two sub-arrays, one that is sorted and the other that is unsorted. Initially, the entire array is considered unsorted.

The algorithm works by finding the smallest element in the unsorted sub-array and swapping it with the first element in the unsorted sub-array. This effectively moves the smallest element to the beginning of the sorted sub-array. The algorithm then repeats this process, considering the remaining elements in the unsorted sub-array and finding the next smallest element to place in the sorted sub-array.

The selection sort algorithm can be described using the following steps:

1. Set the first element of the array as the minimum value.
2. Compare the minimum value to the next element in the array.
3. If the next element is smaller than the current minimum value, set it as the new minimum value.
4. Repeat step 3 for all remaining elements in the array.
5. Swap the minimum value with the first element in the array.
6. Repeat steps 1-5 for the remaining unsorted sub-array.

The selection sort algorithm has a time complexity of O(n^2), where n is the number of elements in the array. This makes it less efficient than other sorting algorithms such as merge sort and quicksort. However, it has the advantage of being simple to implement and requires no additional memory beyond the array being sorted.

Learning Outcomes 

• Understanding of sorting algorithms: Implementing the selection sort algorithm requires an understanding of sorting algorithms, their time and space complexities, and their advantages and disadvantages.
• Familiarity with array manipulation: The selection sort algorithm involves manipulating arrays by swapping elements, identifying minimum values, and partitioning arrays into sorted and unsorted sub-arrays.
• Ability to implement algorithms: Implementing the selection sort algorithm requires programming skills such as using loops, conditionals, and array operations to perform the necessary computations.
• Ability to analyze algorithms: Analyzing the time complexity of the selection sort algorithm can help students gain an understanding of algorithmic efficiency and the trade-offs between time and space complexity.
• Problem-solving skills: Implementing the selection sort algorithm requires problem-solving skills to identify the inputs needed, the steps involved in the algorithm, and the output to be generated.
• Testing and debugging skills: Implementing and testing the selection sort algorithm requires the ability to identify and fix errors in the program code and test the program with different input values to ensure correct output.