Explore Courses
Liverpool Business SchoolLiverpool Business SchoolMBA by Liverpool Business School
  • 18 Months
Bestseller
Golden Gate UniversityGolden Gate UniversityMBA (Master of Business Administration)
  • 15 Months
Popular
O.P.Jindal Global UniversityO.P.Jindal Global UniversityMaster of Business Administration (MBA)
  • 12 Months
New
Birla Institute of Management Technology Birla Institute of Management Technology Post Graduate Diploma in Management (BIMTECH)
  • 24 Months
Liverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpool John Moores UniversityMS in Data Science
  • 18 Months
Popular
IIIT BangaloreIIIT BangalorePost Graduate Programme in Data Science & AI (Executive)
  • 12 Months
Bestseller
Golden Gate UniversityGolden Gate UniversityDBA in Emerging Technologies with concentration in Generative AI
  • 3 Years
upGradupGradData Science Bootcamp with AI
  • 6 Months
New
University of MarylandIIIT BangalorePost Graduate Certificate in Data Science & AI (Executive)
  • 8-8.5 Months
upGradupGradData Science Bootcamp with AI
  • 6 months
Popular
upGrad KnowledgeHutupGrad KnowledgeHutData Engineer Bootcamp
  • Self-Paced
upGradupGradCertificate Course in Business Analytics & Consulting in association with PwC India
  • 06 Months
OP Jindal Global UniversityOP Jindal Global UniversityMaster of Design in User Experience Design
  • 12 Months
Popular
WoolfWoolfMaster of Science in Computer Science
  • 18 Months
New
Jindal Global UniversityJindal Global UniversityMaster of Design in User Experience
  • 12 Months
New
Rushford, GenevaRushford Business SchoolDBA Doctorate in Technology (Computer Science)
  • 36 Months
IIIT BangaloreIIIT BangaloreCloud Computing and DevOps Program (Executive)
  • 8 Months
New
upGrad KnowledgeHutupGrad KnowledgeHutAWS Solutions Architect Certification
  • 32 Hours
upGradupGradFull Stack Software Development Bootcamp
  • 6 Months
Popular
upGradupGradUI/UX Bootcamp
  • 3 Months
upGradupGradCloud Computing Bootcamp
  • 7.5 Months
Golden Gate University Golden Gate University Doctor of Business Administration in Digital Leadership
  • 36 Months
New
Jindal Global UniversityJindal Global UniversityMaster of Design in User Experience
  • 12 Months
New
Golden Gate University Golden Gate University Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
  • 36 Months
Bestseller
Ecole Supérieure de Gestion et Commerce International ParisEcole Supérieure de Gestion et Commerce International ParisDoctorate of Business Administration (DBA)
  • 36 Months
Rushford, GenevaRushford Business SchoolDoctorate of Business Administration (DBA)
  • 36 Months
KnowledgeHut upGradKnowledgeHut upGradSAFe® 6.0 Certified ScrumMaster (SSM) Training
  • Self-Paced
KnowledgeHut upGradKnowledgeHut upGradPMP® certification
  • Self-Paced
IIM KozhikodeIIM KozhikodeProfessional Certification in HR Management and Analytics
  • 6 Months
Bestseller
Duke CEDuke CEPost Graduate Certificate in Product Management
  • 4-8 Months
Bestseller
upGrad KnowledgeHutupGrad KnowledgeHutLeading SAFe® 6.0 Certification
  • 16 Hours
Popular
upGrad KnowledgeHutupGrad KnowledgeHutCertified ScrumMaster®(CSM) Training
  • 16 Hours
Bestseller
PwCupGrad CampusCertification Program in Financial Modelling & Analysis in association with PwC India
  • 4 Months
upGrad KnowledgeHutupGrad KnowledgeHutSAFe® 6.0 POPM Certification
  • 16 Hours
O.P.Jindal Global UniversityO.P.Jindal Global UniversityMaster of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
  • 12 Months
Bestseller
Liverpool John Moores University Liverpool John Moores University MS in Machine Learning & AI
  • 18 Months
Popular
Golden Gate UniversityGolden Gate UniversityDBA in Emerging Technologies with concentration in Generative AI
  • 3 Years
IIIT BangaloreIIIT BangaloreExecutive Post Graduate Programme in Machine Learning & AI
  • 13 Months
Bestseller
IIITBIIITBExecutive Program in Generative AI for Leaders
  • 4 Months
upGradupGradAdvanced Certificate Program in GenerativeAI
  • 4 Months
New
IIIT BangaloreIIIT BangalorePost Graduate Certificate in Machine Learning & Deep Learning (Executive)
  • 8 Months
Bestseller
Jindal Global UniversityJindal Global UniversityMaster of Design in User Experience
  • 12 Months
New
Liverpool Business SchoolLiverpool Business SchoolMBA with Marketing Concentration
  • 18 Months
Bestseller
Golden Gate UniversityGolden Gate UniversityMBA with Marketing Concentration
  • 15 Months
Popular
MICAMICAAdvanced Certificate in Digital Marketing and Communication
  • 6 Months
Bestseller
MICAMICAAdvanced Certificate in Brand Communication Management
  • 5 Months
Popular
upGradupGradDigital Marketing Accelerator Program
  • 05 Months
Jindal Global Law SchoolJindal Global Law SchoolLL.M. in Corporate & Financial Law
  • 12 Months
Bestseller
Jindal Global Law SchoolJindal Global Law SchoolLL.M. in AI and Emerging Technologies (Blended Learning Program)
  • 12 Months
Jindal Global Law SchoolJindal Global Law SchoolLL.M. in Intellectual Property & Technology Law
  • 12 Months
Jindal Global Law SchoolJindal Global Law SchoolLL.M. in Dispute Resolution
  • 12 Months
upGradupGradContract Law Certificate Program
  • Self paced
New
ESGCI, ParisESGCI, ParisDoctorate of Business Administration (DBA) from ESGCI, Paris
  • 36 Months
Golden Gate University Golden Gate University Doctor of Business Administration From Golden Gate University, San Francisco
  • 36 Months
Rushford Business SchoolRushford Business SchoolDoctor of Business Administration from Rushford Business School, Switzerland)
  • 36 Months
Edgewood CollegeEdgewood CollegeDoctorate of Business Administration from Edgewood College
  • 24 Months
Golden Gate UniversityGolden Gate UniversityDBA in Emerging Technologies with Concentration in Generative AI
  • 36 Months
Golden Gate University Golden Gate University DBA in Digital Leadership from Golden Gate University, San Francisco
  • 36 Months
Liverpool Business SchoolLiverpool Business SchoolMBA by Liverpool Business School
  • 18 Months
Bestseller
Golden Gate UniversityGolden Gate UniversityMBA (Master of Business Administration)
  • 15 Months
Popular
O.P.Jindal Global UniversityO.P.Jindal Global UniversityMaster of Business Administration (MBA)
  • 12 Months
New
Deakin Business School and Institute of Management Technology, GhaziabadDeakin Business School and IMT, GhaziabadMBA (Master of Business Administration)
  • 12 Months
Liverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpool John Moores UniversityMS in Data Science
  • 18 Months
Bestseller
O.P.Jindal Global UniversityO.P.Jindal Global UniversityMaster of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
  • 12 Months
Bestseller
IIIT BangaloreIIIT BangalorePost Graduate Programme in Data Science (Executive)
  • 12 Months
Bestseller
O.P.Jindal Global UniversityO.P.Jindal Global UniversityO.P.Jindal Global University
  • 12 Months
WoolfWoolfMaster of Science in Computer Science
  • 18 Months
New
Liverpool John Moores University Liverpool John Moores University MS in Machine Learning & AI
  • 18 Months
Popular
Golden Gate UniversityGolden Gate UniversityDBA in Emerging Technologies with concentration in Generative AI
  • 3 Years
Rushford, GenevaRushford Business SchoolDoctorate of Business Administration (AI/ML)
  • 36 Months
Ecole Supérieure de Gestion et Commerce International ParisEcole Supérieure de Gestion et Commerce International ParisDBA Specialisation in AI & ML
  • 36 Months
Golden Gate University Golden Gate University Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
  • 36 Months
Bestseller
Ecole Supérieure de Gestion et Commerce International ParisEcole Supérieure de Gestion et Commerce International ParisDoctorate of Business Administration (DBA)
  • 36 Months
Rushford, GenevaRushford Business SchoolDoctorate of Business Administration (DBA)
  • 36 Months
Liverpool Business SchoolLiverpool Business SchoolMBA with Marketing Concentration
  • 18 Months
Bestseller
Golden Gate UniversityGolden Gate UniversityMBA with Marketing Concentration
  • 15 Months
Popular
Jindal Global Law SchoolJindal Global Law SchoolLL.M. in Corporate & Financial Law
  • 12 Months
Bestseller
Jindal Global Law SchoolJindal Global Law SchoolLL.M. in Intellectual Property & Technology Law
  • 12 Months
Jindal Global Law SchoolJindal Global Law SchoolLL.M. in Dispute Resolution
  • 12 Months
IIITBIIITBExecutive Program in Generative AI for Leaders
  • 4 Months
New
IIIT BangaloreIIIT BangaloreExecutive Post Graduate Programme in Machine Learning & AI
  • 13 Months
Bestseller
upGradupGradData Science Bootcamp with AI
  • 6 Months
New
upGradupGradAdvanced Certificate Program in GenerativeAI
  • 4 Months
New
KnowledgeHut upGradKnowledgeHut upGradSAFe® 6.0 Certified ScrumMaster (SSM) Training
  • Self-Paced
upGrad KnowledgeHutupGrad KnowledgeHutCertified ScrumMaster®(CSM) Training
  • 16 Hours
upGrad KnowledgeHutupGrad KnowledgeHutLeading SAFe® 6.0 Certification
  • 16 Hours
KnowledgeHut upGradKnowledgeHut upGradPMP® certification
  • Self-Paced
upGrad KnowledgeHutupGrad KnowledgeHutAWS Solutions Architect Certification
  • 32 Hours
upGrad KnowledgeHutupGrad KnowledgeHutAzure Administrator Certification (AZ-104)
  • 24 Hours
KnowledgeHut upGradKnowledgeHut upGradAWS Cloud Practioner Essentials Certification
  • 1 Week
KnowledgeHut upGradKnowledgeHut upGradAzure Data Engineering Training (DP-203)
  • 1 Week
MICAMICAAdvanced Certificate in Digital Marketing and Communication
  • 6 Months
Bestseller
MICAMICAAdvanced Certificate in Brand Communication Management
  • 5 Months
Popular
IIM KozhikodeIIM KozhikodeProfessional Certification in HR Management and Analytics
  • 6 Months
Bestseller
Duke CEDuke CEPost Graduate Certificate in Product Management
  • 4-8 Months
Bestseller
Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA)Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA)Executive PG Programme in Human Resource Management
  • 11 Months
Popular
Goa Institute of ManagementGoa Institute of ManagementExecutive PG Program in Healthcare Management
  • 11 Months
IMT GhaziabadIMT GhaziabadAdvanced General Management Program
  • 11 Months
Golden Gate UniversityGolden Gate UniversityProfessional Certificate in Global Business Management
  • 6-8 Months
upGradupGradContract Law Certificate Program
  • Self paced
New
IU, GermanyIU, GermanyMaster of Business Administration (90 ECTS)
  • 18 Months
Bestseller
IU, GermanyIU, GermanyMaster in International Management (120 ECTS)
  • 24 Months
Popular
IU, GermanyIU, GermanyB.Sc. Computer Science (180 ECTS)
  • 36 Months
Clark UniversityClark UniversityMaster of Business Administration
  • 23 Months
New
Golden Gate UniversityGolden Gate UniversityMaster of Business Administration
  • 20 Months
Clark University, USClark University, USMS in Project Management
  • 20 Months
New
Edgewood CollegeEdgewood CollegeMaster of Business Administration
  • 23 Months
The American Business SchoolThe American Business SchoolMBA with specialization
  • 23 Months
New
Aivancity ParisAivancity ParisMSc Artificial Intelligence Engineering
  • 24 Months
Aivancity ParisAivancity ParisMSc Data Engineering
  • 24 Months
The American Business SchoolThe American Business SchoolMBA with specialization
  • 23 Months
New
Aivancity ParisAivancity ParisMSc Artificial Intelligence Engineering
  • 24 Months
Aivancity ParisAivancity ParisMSc Data Engineering
  • 24 Months
upGradupGradData Science Bootcamp with AI
  • 6 Months
Popular
upGrad KnowledgeHutupGrad KnowledgeHutData Engineer Bootcamp
  • Self-Paced
upGradupGradFull Stack Software Development Bootcamp
  • 6 Months
Bestseller
KnowledgeHut upGradKnowledgeHut upGradBackend Development Bootcamp
  • Self-Paced
upGradupGradUI/UX Bootcamp
  • 3 Months
upGradupGradCloud Computing Bootcamp
  • 7.5 Months
PwCupGrad CampusCertification Program in Financial Modelling & Analysis in association with PwC India
  • 5 Months
upGrad KnowledgeHutupGrad KnowledgeHutSAFe® 6.0 POPM Certification
  • 16 Hours
upGradupGradDigital Marketing Accelerator Program
  • 05 Months
upGradupGradAdvanced Certificate Program in GenerativeAI
  • 4 Months
New
upGradupGradData Science Bootcamp with AI
  • 6 Months
Popular
upGradupGradFull Stack Software Development Bootcamp
  • 6 Months
Bestseller
upGradupGradUI/UX Bootcamp
  • 3 Months
PwCupGrad CampusCertification Program in Financial Modelling & Analysis in association with PwC India
  • 4 Months
upGradupGradCertificate Course in Business Analytics & Consulting in association with PwC India
  • 06 Months
upGradupGradDigital Marketing Accelerator Program
  • 05 Months

What is a Merge Sort Algorithm? How Does it Work?

Updated on 12 October, 2023

1.64K+ views
• 10 min read

Merge Sort Algorithm Introduction 

The category Sorting algorithms based on comparison strategies includes the well-liked and effective sorting algorithm known as Merge Sort. John von Neyy made the initial presentation of it in 1945. On both small and large datasets, the method performs consistently and steadily. Merge sort employs a divide and conquer method by separating the input array into smaller sub-arrays, creating the final sorted result by recursively sorting the items, then merging the items one more. 

How Merge Sort Works?

Merge Sort is a popular sorting algorithm that follows the Divide and Conquer approach to sort an array or a list of elements. It works as follows:

Divide and Conquer Approach:

The Merge formula Sort’s ability to sort enormous datasets effectively results from its divide and conquer method. Three easy steps can be used, to sum up the procedure:

Step 1 – Divide: Up until each sub-array has just one element, the unsorted array is split into two equal portions. Up until there are no more divisions, this procedure is continued in a recursive fashion.

Step 2 – Conquer: The particular-element sub-arrays are assumed to be sorted by default because a single element is always sorted.

Step 3 – Merge: Recombining the sorted sub-arrays places the elements of the larger sorting array in the correct order. During the combining process, the components of the two sub-arrays are compared and then arranged chronologically. When comparing the elements in the two arrays, the algorithm chooses the smaller element, inserting it into the new, sorted array. This process is repeated until all of the components of both sub-arrays are combined into the ultimate sorting of an array.

Merge Step:

An essential component of the merging Sort algorithm is the merging stage. The method successfully merges two sorted sub-arrays into one sorted array at this stage. It entails comparing and ordering the components of both sub-arrays in chronological order.

The algorithm compares the components at these two points, one for each sub-array. The matching pointer is advanced while the smaller components are transferred to the new sorted array. This process is repeated until all of the components of both sub-arrays are combined into the ultimate sorting of an array.

Merge Sort Time Complexity:

To comprehend merge sort time complexity and performance on various datasets, it is essential to grasp its time complexity. Big O notation is used to express the temporal complexity of Merge Sort.

  • Best Case: The maximum time complexity of Merge Sort, where ‘n’ is the number of elements in the input array, is O(n log n). When the input array is already resolved or almost sorted, this happens.
  • Worst Case: Merge Sort still has an O(n log n) time complexity, even in the worst-case situation. This is due to the algorithm’s constant splitting of the input array in half and recursive sorting of the two halves. As a result, the best-case time complexity is also the worst-case time complexity.
  • Average Case: Merge Sort has an average-case time complexity of O(n log n). Merge Sort is frequently chosen for big datasets because of its superior performance over quadratic sorting algorithms.

Implementing Merge Sort Python

The Merge Sort algorithm is implemented in Python in the following manner:

def merge_sort(arr):

if len(arr) <= 1:

     return arr

mid = len(arr) // 2

left_half = arr[:mid]

right_half = arr[mid:]

left_half = merge_sort(left_half)

right_half = merge_sort(right_half)

return merge(left_half, right_half)

def merge(left, right):

result = []

left_idx, right_idx = 0, 0

while left_idx < len(left) and right_idx < len(right):

     if left[left_idx] < right[right_idx]:

            result.append(left[left_idx])

         left_idx += 1

     else:

            result.append(right[right_idx])

         right_idx += 1

result += left[left_idx:]

result += right[right_idx:]

return result


# Example usage:

arr = [38, 27, 43, 3, 9, 82, 10]

sorted_arr = merge_sort(arr)

print(sorted_arr)

```

C Merge Sort Program

Here is a detailed description of how the Merge Sort algorithm is implemented in C:

#include <stdio.h>

void merge(int arr[], int left, int mid, int right) {

int i, j, k;

int n1 = mid - left + 1;

int n2 = right - mid;

int L[n1], R[n2];

for (i = 0; i < n1; i++)

     L[i] = arr[left + i];

for (j = 0; j < n2; j++)

     R[j] = rr[mid + 1 + j];

i = 0;

j = 0;

k = left;

while (i < n1 && j < n2) {

     if (L[i] <= R[j]) {

         arr[k] = L[i];

         i++;

     }

     else {

         arr[k] = R[j];

         j++;

     }

     k++;

}

while (i < n1) {

     arr[k] = L[i];

     i++;

     k++;

}

while (j < n2) {

     arr[k] = R[j];

     j++;

     k++;

}

} 

  void merge_sort(int arr[], int left, int right) {

if (left < right) {

     int mid = left + (right - left) / 2;

 

     merge_sort(arr, left, mid);

     merge_sort(arr, mid + 1, right);

 

     merge(arr, left, mid, right);

}

}

 

int main() {

int arr[] = {38, 27, 43, 3, 9, 82, 10};

int n = sizeof(arr) / sizeof(arr[0]);

 

merge_sort(arr, 0, n - 1);

 

printf("Sorted array: ");

for (int i = 0; i < n; i++)

     printf("%d ", arr[i]);

 

return 0;

}

Merge Sort in Data Structures

Due to its effectiveness and reliability, merge sort is extensively employed in different data structures. It is frequently used to sort linked lists, which presents difficulties for more effective sorting algorithms like Quick Sort. Due to its divide and conquer approach, merge sort is a common data structure technique when dealing with linked lists.

An effective sorting algorithm that employs the divide-and-conquer strategy is merge sort. The unsorted list is split into single-element sublists before being merged back together during sorting. To create the final sorted list, the merging phase effectively joins sublists that have already been sorted. It is the best option for huge datasets because of its O(n log n) time complexity. However, it needs more RAM to accommodate transient sublists while merging. Merge Sort is well-liked overall for its reliability, consistency, and ease of use.

Merge Sort Pseudocode

The following is a representation of the merge sort pseudocode:

merge_sort(arr):

if length of arr <= 1:

     return arr

 

mid = length of arr // 2

left_half = arr[:mid]

right_half = arr[mid:]

 

left_half = merge_sort(left_half)

right_half = merge_sort(right_half)

 

return merge(left_half, right_half)

 

merge(left, right):

result = []

left_idx, right_idx = 0, 0

 

while left_idx < length of left and right_idx < length of right:

     if left[left_idx] < right[right_idx]:

         append left[left_idx] to result

         left_idx += 1

     else:

         append right[right_idx] to result

         right_idx += 1

 

append remaining elements of left to result

append remaining elements of right to result

return result

Merge Sort Complexity

Time Complexity: The Merge Sort method is recursive, with time complexity given by the following recurrence relation: 

O(N log(N))

T(n) = 2T(n/2) θ(n)

The aforementioned recurrence can be resolved using either the Recurrence Tree approach or the Master method. Nlog(N) is the solution to the recurrence and fits into Case II of the Master Method. Merge sort always splits the array in half in all three scenarios (worst, average, and best), and because it requires linear time to join the two halves, its time complexity is Nlog(N).

Auxiliary Space: O(N), All elements in a merge sort are copied into a support array. N auxiliary spaces are therefore necessary for merge sort.

Comparing Merge Sort with Other Sorting Algorithms:

One of the most effective sorting algorithms, merge sort, is frequently contrasted with other well-known sorting algorithms like quick sort and heap sort in terms of time complexity.

Comparing Quick Sorting and Merge Sorting:

The efficient sorting algorithms Quick Sorting and Merge Sorting have an average time complexity of O(n log n). Merge Sort always maintains a worst-case time complexity of O(n log n), but If the pivot selection is poor, Quick Sort may have a worst-case time complexity of O(n2). Since worst-case performance is important, Merge Sort is more predictable and appropriate for real-world applications.

Compare Merge Sort and Heap Sort:

The average time complexity of Merge Sort and Heap Sort is O(n log n). Heap Sort is an in-place sorting algorithm, making it more memory-efficient than Merge Sort, which requires additional memory space for combining sub-arrays. Heap Sort’s speed on huge datasets may be impacted by the fact that it experiences more cache misses and unpredictable memory access patterns.

Merge Sort Uses

  • Sorting large datasets: Due to its guaranteed worst-case time complexity of O(n log n), merge sort is especially well suited for sorting large datasets.
  • External sorting: External sorting is often used when the data is too large to blend in memory.
  • Custom sorting: Merge sort can be modified or modified to handle a wide range of input distributions, including partially, almost, and totally sorted data.

Learn MoreData Structures and Algorithms free course

Advantages of Merge Sort

  • Stability: The relative order of equal elements in the input array is maintained using the stable sorting method known as merge sort.
  • Guaranteed worst-case performance: Merge sort works well even on big datasets thanks to its worst-case time complexity of O(N logN).
  • Parallelizable: Merge sort is a method that naturally scales to several processors or threads, making it easy to parallelize.

Drawbacks of Merge Sort:

  • Space complexity: During the sorting process, the combined sub-arrays from the merge sort must be stored in additional memory. 
  • Not in place: Merge sort takes additional RAM to hold the sorted data because it is not an in-place sorting method. This might be a problem for programs when memory utilization is a problem.
  • Not always optimal for small datasets: Merge sort has a higher time complexity than other sorting algorithms, such as insertion sort, for small datasets. This may cause performance to be slower for very tiny datasets.

Learn data science courses online from the World’s top Universities. Earn Executive PG Programs, Advanced Certificate Programs, or Masters Programs to fast-track your career

Applications of Merge Sort:

In many applications, sorting is a common operation. Merge Sort is the best option for maintaining the relative order of equal components due to its stability and predictable performance. Examples of typical applications include:

  • Database administration: Sorting is essential for effective querying and indexing in database management systems.
  • External Sorting: Merge Sort is a great choice for external sorting when data is kept on disk rather than in RAM because it can handle enormous datasets with little memory.
  • Parallel Processing: Merge Sort is naturally parallelizable due to its divide-and-conquer structure, which enables effective sorting on multi-core processors and distributed systems.
  • Merge Join: Merge Sort performs efficient merge joins when combining sorted data from two tables in database query optimization.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Divide and Conquer strategy is used in the Merge Sort algorithm, a strong and dependable sorting technique. Large datasets are efficiently sorted with a worst-case guaranteed time complexity of O(n log n). Because of its stability, the input array’s equal items are maintained in their relative order. Merge Sort is frequently used in many contexts, such as database management, external sorting, and parallel processing. Moreover, it is a vital tool for sorting algorithms.

It finds widespread use in various applications, including the Full Stack Software Development Bootcamp from upGrad, where efficiency, predictability, and stability are essential for students to master full-stack software development skills. Despite its space complexity and potential for inferior performance on extremely small datasets, Merge Sort is a popular option for sorting tasks, providing a reliable foundation for students at the boot camp to acquire the necessary expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Merge Sort sorting algorithm reliable?

Merge Sort is a reliable sorting method, yes. It preserves the original array's relative order for identical members in sorting an array.

2. What distinguishes Merge Sort from other sorting algorithms as being effective?

Due to its divide and conquer strategy, which guarantees that the algorithm runs in O(n log n) time complexity in all but the worst instances, Merge Sort is efficient.

3. Can Merge Sort handle huge datasets?

Merge Sort's continuous time complexity of O(n log n) makes it appropriate for sorting small and large datasets. However, more RAM may be needed for temporary array storage during the merge stage.

4. Are there any restrictions on Merge Sort?

Merge Sort is effective for sorting. However, it might not be ideal for in-place sorting because it needs more memory to merge sub-arrays.

5. How does Merge Sort's performance compare to Quick Sort?

Merge Sort and Quicksort average time level of complexity is O(n log n). On the other hand, Merge Sort has a lower worst-case time complexity than Quick Sort, making it more dependable and predictable.