What is the function of a binary search algorithm?

A binary search algorithm is specifically designed to locate a target value within a sorted array. It operates by repeatedly dividing the search interval in half; if the value of the target is less than the value in the middle of the interval, the search continues in the lower half, while if the target is greater, it continues in the upper half. This halving process allows the algorithm to quickly eliminate half of the search space with each step, leading to an efficient search process with a time complexity of O(log n).

The other functions mentioned—finding the maximum value, sorting an array, and reversing the order of elements—are not what a binary search does. The binary search assumes that the data is already sorted, which is a crucial aspect that differentiates it from these other operations. Thus, the focus on locating a target value in a sorted structure is what defines the purpose and utility of the binary search algorithm.