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By gXa, history, 11 years ago, In English

Can someone please explain me lower_bound and upper_bound and how they are used in sorted array? Please explain in depth.

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11 years ago, hide # |
 
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int* ptr = lower_bound(a, a + n, k);

returns the pointer to the first element in a that is larger than or equal to k

int* ptr = upper_bound(a, a + n, k);

returns the pointer to the first element in a that is larger than k

You can use the following to get the index. This also means "how many elements in a are smaller than k"

int index = lower_bound(a, a + n, k) - a;

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    11 years ago, hide # ^ |
     
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    Don't forget that std::map and std::set have their own lower_bound and upper_bound function.

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11 years ago, hide # |
 
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According to cplusplus.com lower_bound(a,a+n,k) returns pointer to the first element, where k can be inserted. upper_bound(a,a+n,k) returns pointer to the last element, where k can be inserted :).

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