How does the time complexity of inserting an element at the beginning of a dynamic array (like Python's list) typically compare to inserting it in the end? a) they both have O(1) t... How does the time complexity of inserting an element at the beginning of a dynamic array (like Python's list) typically compare to inserting it in the end? a) they both have O(1) time complexity b) beginning is O(1) and end is O(n) c) beginning is O(n) and end is O(1) d) they both have O(n) time complexity
Understand the Problem
The question is asking to compare the time complexity of inserting an element at the beginning of a dynamic array (like Python's list) versus inserting it at the end. It aims to determine which insertion operation is more efficient and to identify the correct time complexity for both operations.
Answer
Beginning is O(n) and end is O(1)
The final answer is beginning is O(n) and end is O(1)
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is beginning is O(n) and end is O(1)
More Information
Inserting an element at the beginning of a Python list is O(n) because it requires shifting all elements to the right. Appending to the end is typically amortized O(1) due to preallocated memory space, which avoids a full shift for each append.
Tips
A common mistake is to assume both operations have O(1) time complexity without considering the need to shift elements when inserting at the beginning.
Sources
- Python | Perform append at beginning of list - GeeksforGeeks - geeksforgeeks.org
- Understanding Python List Operations: A Big O Complexity Guide - medium.com
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