How to traverse an array from both sides at the same time in C

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#include <stdio.h>

/*
    Demonstration of traversing an array from both sides at the same time
    in idiomatic C.

    We use the classic "two-pointer" technique:
        - left  starts at index 0
        - right starts at index n - 1
    Both move toward the center.

    This approach is efficient (O(n)), simple, and widely used in
    algorithms such as palindrome checks, partitioning, and pair searching.
*/

// ------------------------------------------------------------
// Function: traverse_from_both_sides
// Purpose:  Traverse an array from both ends simultaneously.
// ------------------------------------------------------------
void traverse_from_both_sides(const int *arr, int n) {
    int left  = 0;
    int right = n - 1;

    // Move inward until the pointers cross
    while (left <= right) {
        printf("Left: %d, Right: %d\n", arr[left], arr[right]);

        left++;
        right--;
    }
}

// ------------------------------------------------------------
// Main program
// ------------------------------------------------------------
int main(void)
{
    int data[] = {10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90};
    int n = sizeof(data) / sizeof(data[0]);

    printf("Traversing from both sides:\n");
    traverse_from_both_sides(data, n);

    return 0;
}


/*
run:

Traversing from both sides:
Left: 10, Right: 90
Left: 20, Right: 80
Left: 30, Right: 70
Left: 40, Right: 60
Left: 50, Right: 50

*/

 



answered Jul 30 by avibootz
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