###
# linear_search.py
#
# author: Kristina Striegnitz
#
# version: 2/7/2010
#
# Check whether a given element is in a list. List can be ordered or
# unordered.
###

def linear_search(val, l):
    for element in l:
        if element == val:
            return True
    return False


# Another way of writing this. What is the difference?

def linear_search2(val, l):
    found = False
    for element in l:
        if element == val:
            found = True
    return found