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Algorithms affect our daily lives more than we care to think and, most of the time, we don’t even know it. We use algorithms in our daily commute to work, or as you cook your favorite Gordon Ramsey Beef Wellington recipe or bake your favorite key lime pie. As you follow through the steps of a recipe, i.e., exact measurements of each ingredient and even temperature control, you’re able to create the pie as desired - neither sloppy nor rock solid.
In his book, The Art of Computer Programming, Donald Knuth describes algorithms as a confusing word. Learning about algorithms, it’s easy to agree with this description. Merriam Webster defines it as, “a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or accomplishing some end - so let’s look into a few more examples first.
Google’s search engine allows us to get search results within milliseconds because it uses an algorithm. How?...Do algorithms involve mathematical equations?
Often, but not always. The important thing to note is that algorithms cannot be vague, otherwise any desired outcome will be unattainable.
I want to learn more about algorithms. Where should I start?
You can start by building your logic, problem-solving skills, and moving on to basic programming (Java, C++, C, Python, etc.). In programming, algorithms play an invaluable role in problem solving, so it is important to note that algorithms have a larger impact in our world than simply getting millions of crawling links within milliseconds of searching on Google, or baking the best k TechRadar New Zealandey lime pie.
More so, learning about algorithms is not something you can do by reading a single article in one sitting - fortunately, there are a wealth of resources available online you can use in your search for a better understanding of algorithms.
Source: TechRadar New Zealand
