Linear search is a simple way to find something in a list, but it has some downsides that make it less useful in many cases.

1. What is Linear Search?

   • The linear search method looks at each item in a list one by one.
   • It continues this process until it finds the item it's looking for or reaches the end of the list.
   • It’s easy to understand and use, but it can take a lot of time, especially if the list is long.

2. How Fast is Linear Search?

   • When we talk about how quick linear search is, we can describe it with something called time complexity.
   • In the worst-case scenario, linear search takes time based on the number of items in the list, which we can call $O(n)$.
   • If the list is huge, this means it can be pretty slow.
   • In contrast, there are faster methods, like binary search, which can find items much quicker at $O(\log n)$ time.

3. When Should You Use Linear Search?

   • Linear search works alright if you have a small list or if the list is not in any order.
   • However, if your list is big, you might want to consider other options.
   • Using data structures like hash tables or trees can make searching faster and more efficient.
   • This way, you can find what you need without waiting too long.