Re-create Ruby’s Max Method to Find the Largest Integer in an Array

In this coding exercise, we walk through how to efficiently find the largest item in an array. Additionally, we examine how to implement performance tests to compare two different implementation options.

Summary

Implement a method that finds the largest integer in an array without using Ruby’s built-in max method. Additionally, ensure that the algorithm can work efficiently on large sets of data.

Exercise File

Code File

Exercise Description

Given the following array:

[1, 6, 3, 10, 5, 3]

Write a program that returns the largest integer in the array.

Example Output

10

Real World Usage

Finding the largest element in a collection is used in many algorithms. Additionally, you’ll discover that there are multiple solutions to this exercise, however, not all of the solutions are efficient. Working through this exercise should help you analyze the performance of each implementation option. And performance analysis is important in day to day development.

Solution

Can be found on the solutions branch on github.