How to Analyse Loops for Complexity Analysis of Algorithms

We have discussed Asymptotic Analysis, Worst, Average and Best Cases and Asymptotic Notations in previous posts. In this post, an analysis of iterative programs with simple examples is discussed.

The analysis of loops for the complexity analysis of algorithms involves finding the number of operations performed by a loop as a function of the input size. This is usually done by determining the number of iterations of the loop and the number of operations performed in each iteration.

Here are the general steps to analyze loops for complexity analysis:

Determine the number of iterations of the loop. This is usually done by analyzing the loop control variables and the loop termination condition.

Determine the number of operations performed in each iteration of the loop. This can include both arithmetic operations and data access operations, such as array accesses or memory accesses.

Express the total number of operations performed by the loop as a function of the input size. This may involve using mathematical expressions or finding a closed-form expression for the number of operations performed by the loop.