# Finding something in a list

[Programming guides](README.md)

To **search** is to look for an item that matches a question. You might search a player list for a name or an inventory for a key. A simple method checks the items one at a time.

This method is called **linear search**. You do not need to sort the list before using it.

## Look along a bookshelf

Suppose the books on a shelf are not in any particular order. To find a title, you can read each label from left to right. If none matches, you reach the end without finding it.

A program needs to remember both possibilities: “found” and “not found.” Otherwise it might accidentally treat the first item as a successful result even when the wanted item is absent.

## Search some pretend player names

```pliro
# language: en
let players = ["Pip", "Nova", "Milo"]
let wanted = "Nova"
let found = false
for player in players:
    if player == wanted:
        set found = true
if found:
    say "Player found."
else:
    say "Player not found."
```

`found` starts false. A matching name changes it to true. The result message comes after the loop. This version keeps checking the remaining items after finding a match; it is simple and sufficient for a small list.

## Predict, then run

Which message should appear for `"Nova"`?

```text
Player found.
```

Now predict what happens for `"Luna"`, which is absent. Also consider an empty list: no comparisons run, so `found` keeps its initial false value.

## Your challenge

Search a list of backpack items for `"key"`. Then add the key twice. Does the result change? Our program answers “Does at least one exist?” It does not count matches or report their positions.

## A common mistake

Putting `set found = false` in an `else` inside the loop can erase an earlier match when the next item does not match. Only a match should change this example's flag. Text comparison also distinguishes `"Nova"` from `"nova"`; this program does not ignore letter case.

## Where next?

[Lists](../syntax/list.md) · [State](state.md) · [Sorting](sorting-lists.md)