C: binary search

c/binary-search/README.md

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+# Binary Search
+
+Implement a binary search algorithm.
+
+Searching a sorted collection is a common task. A dictionary is a sorted
+list of word definitions. Given a word, one can find its definition. A
+telephone book is a sorted list of people's names, addresses, and
+telephone numbers. Knowing someone's name allows one to quickly find
+their telephone number and address.
+
+If the list to be searched contains more than a few items (a dozen, say)
+a binary search will require far fewer comparisons than a linear search,
+but it imposes the requirement that the list be sorted.
+
+In computer science, a binary search or half-interval search algorithm
+finds the position of a specified input value (the search "key") within
+an array sorted by key value.
+
+In each step, the algorithm compares the search key value with the key
+value of the middle element of the array.
+
+If the keys match, then a matching element has been found and its index,
+or position, is returned.
+
+Otherwise, if the search key is less than the middle element's key, then
+the algorithm repeats its action on the sub-array to the left of the
+middle element or, if the search key is greater, on the sub-array to the
+right.
+
+If the remaining array to be searched is empty, then the key cannot be
+found in the array and a special "not found" indication is returned.
+
+A binary search halves the number of items to check with each iteration,
+so locating an item (or determining its absence) takes logarithmic time.
+A binary search is a dichotomic divide and conquer search algorithm.
+
+## Getting Started
+
+Make sure you have read the "Guides" section of the
+[C track][c-track] on the Exercism site. This covers
+the basic information on setting up the development environment expected
+by the exercises.
+
+## Passing the Tests
+
+Get the first test compiling, linking and passing by following the [three
+rules of test-driven development][3-tdd-rules].
+
+The included makefile can be used to create and run the tests using the `test`
+task.
+
+    make test
+
+Create just the functions you need to satisfy any compiler errors and get the
+test to fail. Then write just enough code to get the test to pass. Once you've
+done that, move onto the next test.
+
+As you progress through the tests, take the time to refactor your
+implementation for readability and expressiveness and then go on to the next
+test.
+
+Try to use standard C99 facilities in preference to writing your own
+low-level algorithms or facilities by hand.
+
+## Source
+
+Wikipedia [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binary_search_algorithm](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binary_search_algorithm)
+
+## Submitting Incomplete Solutions
+It's possible to submit an incomplete solution so you can see how others have completed the exercise.
+
+[c-track]: https://exercism.io/my/tracks/c
+[3-tdd-rules]: http://butunclebob.com/ArticleS.UncleBob.TheThreeRulesOfTdd