AlgorithmsSearchingRuns in your browserReviewed October 1, 2026

Linear Search Visualizer

Check every item from left to right until the target is found. Interactive step-by-step animation with JavaScript code, complexity and front-end use cases.

Localprivate by defaultFastno sign-up path

SearchingTime: O(n)Space: O(1)

Numbers (comma separated)Number to find

Array

Step 1 / 8

Look for 42 by checking every item from left to right.

checking
found / in view
ruled out

JavaScript

1function linearSearch(arr, target) {
2  for (let i = 0; i < arr.length; i++) {
3    if (arr[i] === target) return i;
4  }
5  return -1;
6}

Tip: use the arrow keys to step and the space bar to play or pause.

Loading animation...

Linear Search Visualization and Animation

Check every item from left to right until the target is found. Start at the first item. Compare it with the target. Stop when it matches, or when the list ends. Time complexity: O(n). Space complexity: O(1). Array.includes, indexOf and find all work like this. Perfect for small or unsorted lists.

How to use Linear Search Visualizer

Start at the first item.
Compare it with the target.
Stop when it matches, or when the list ends.
Press Play, or step through with the arrow buttons and change the input to see how it reacts.

Questions

What is Linear Search?

Check every item from left to right until the target is found.

What is the time complexity of Linear Search?

Time: O(n). Space: O(1).

Where do front-end developers use Linear Search?

Array.includes, indexOf and find all work like this. Perfect for small or unsorted lists.

Does this upload my data?

No. This converter runs in your browser for ordinary use, so the input is not sent to a backend by this tool.

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