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The quick sort algorithm using pointers works by dividing an array into smaller subarrays using a pivot, which is a randomly chosen element in the array. The algorithm then rearranges the subarrays such that elements less than the pivot are placed before the pivot and elements greater than the pivot are placed after the pivot.

Here are the steps involved in the quick sort algorithm using pointers:

  1. Choose a pivot element from the array.
  2. Create two pointers: one pointing to the first element of the array and the other to the last element of the array.
  3. Move the left pointer to the right until it points to an element greater than the pivot element.
  4. Move the right pointer to the left until it points to an element less than the pivot element.
  5. If the left pointer is less than or equal to the right pointer, swap the elements at the left and right pointers.
  6. Repeat steps 3-5 until the left pointer is greater than the right pointer.
  7. This will give you two subarrays: one from the beginning of the array up to the left pointer and another from the right pointer to the end of the array.
  8. Repeat the above steps for each subarray until the entire array is sorted.

The key to the quick sort algorithm using pointers is to use pointers to keep track of the subarrays instead of copying entire subarrays. This makes the algorithm more efficient and uses less memory.