How is finding the second smallest different from the second largest?
The structural logic is identical. The only differences are initializing variables to very large numbers instead of very small ones, and checking for < instead of >.
Verify This Answer
Cross-check this information using these trusted sources:
More FAQs in Finding the Second Smallest Element
If you initialize 'min' to 0 and the array contains only positive numbers, the condition (current < min) will never trigger, and 0 will incorrectly be returned.
In Java, use Integer.MAX_VALUE. In C++, use INT_MAX from the <climits> library. In Python, use float('inf').
Yes. When a new absolute minimum is found, the previous minimum is 'demoted' to the second minimum position.
Still have questions?
Browse all our FAQs or reach out to our support team