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How to Implement Linear Search in Python

Submitted by razormist on Sunday, December 28, 2025 - 23:09.

In this tutorial, we will learn how to program "How to Implement Linear Search in Python." The objective is to implement linear search in a program. This tutorial will guide you step by step through the process of implementing linear search. By the end of this tutorial, you will have a solid understanding of how to implement this task effectively in Python, helping you strengthen your problem-solving abilities and improve your coding skills.

This topic is straightforward and easy to understand. Simply follow the instructions provided, and you will complete it with ease. The program will guide you step by step through the process of implementing linear search. So, let's dive into the coding process!

Getting Started:

First you will have to download & install the Python IDLE's, here's the link for the Integrated Development And Learning Environment for Python https://www.python.org/downloads/.

Creating Main Function

This is the main function of the application. The following code will display a simple GUI in terminal console that will display program. To do this, simply copy and paste these blocks of code into the IDLE text editor.
  1. def linear_search(alist, key):
  2.     """Return index of key in alist. Return -1 if key not present."""
  3.     for i in range(len(alist)):
  4.         if alist[i] == key:
  5.             return i
  6.     return -1
  7.  
  8.  
  9. while True:
  10.     print("\n================= Implement Linear Search =================\n")
  11.  
  12.     alist = input("Enter the list of numbers (space-separated): ").split()
  13.     alist = [int(x) for x in alist]
  14.  
  15.     key = int(input("Enter the number to search for: "))
  16.  
  17.     index = linear_search(alist, key)
  18.  
  19.     if index == -1:
  20.         print(f"{key} was not found.")
  21.     else:
  22.         print(f"{key} was found at index {index}.")
  23.  
  24.     # Try again?
  25.     opt = input("\nDo you want to try again? (yes/no): ").strip().lower()
  26.     if opt == "no":
  27.         print("Exiting program...")
  28.         break
  29.     elif opt != "yes":
  30.         print("Invalid choice. Exiting program...")
  31.         break

This program implements the Linear Search algorithm to find a specific element in a list. The user enters a list of numbers and a key value to search for. The program sequentially checks each element in the list until the key is found or the list ends. If the key exists, its index position is displayed; otherwise, a message indicates that the element was not found. The program allows repeated searches and exits cleanly based on user choice.

Output:

There you have it we successfully created How to Implement Linear Search in Python. I hope that this simple tutorial help you to what you are looking for. For more updates and tutorials just kindly visit this site. Enjoy Coding!

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