Linear search checks each element in a list sequentially, while binary search divides the list in half repeatedly, making it faster for sorted lists.

Linear search and binary search are two fundamental algorithms for finding elements within a list, each with distinct characteristics and performance metrics. Linear search, also known as sequential search, involves examining each element in a list one by one until the desired element is found or the list ends. This algorithm is straightforward and works on both sorted and unsorted lists. However, its time complexity is O(n), where n is the number of elements in the list, making it inefficient for large datasets. In scenarios where the dataset is small or the list is unsorted, linear search may be suitable. On the other hand, binary search is a much more efficient algorithm but requires the input list to be sorted. The binary search algorithm works by repeatedly dividing the list in half and comparing the target value to the middle element. If the target value is equal to the middle element, the search is successful. If the target value is less than the middle element, the search continues in the left half of the list, and if it is greater, the search continues in the right half. This process repeats until the element is found or the sublist is empty. The time complexity of binary search is O(log n), making it significantly faster than linear search for large, sorted datasets. Understanding the differences between these two search algorithms is essential for choosing the appropriate one based on the data characteristics and performance requirements.