What is algorithms And How It Work?

What is Algorithms

There are a lot of buzzwords that always resonate in the technical and computing circles, such as: Machine Learning, Data Science, or Algorithms, and the latter is what we will talk about today.

Types of algorithms

There are very many types of algorithms that are used every moment around us, but we can say that there are 7 types that are the most important for algorithms:

1. Recursive Algorithms: Algorithms that call and repeat themselves until the problem is solved and the final result is reached.

2. Dynamic programming algorithms: These algorithms are somewhat complex, and are used to solve more complex problems, and they are widely used in complex matters, such as studying DNA in biology.

3. Randomized Algorithms: Algorithms that use random results and values.

4. Backtracking Algorithms: These algorithms solve large and complex problems by experimenting with dividing them and trying to solve them repeatedly until the correct results are reached, so that the problem is solved backwards.

5. Greedy Algorithms: These algorithms work by thinking about the best move or action in the short term without thinking about the consequences of this choice later.

6. Divide and conquer algorithms: These algorithms first divide the problem or data into smaller parts, then work on solving it and then collect it.

7. Brute Force Algorithms: This algorithm is one of the simplest algorithms ever, as it performs experiments. For example, if you want to find the 4-digit password of a user, you will try the 9999 possibilities until you reach the correct password.

In general, although there are hundreds and thousands of algorithms that are difficult or impossible for any programmer to learn, there are some algorithms that are used frequently, such as:

Search Algorithms: These algorithms are widely used, involve several algorithms, and are generally used, as their name suggests, to search for a specific value or thing among the data.

It contains a lot of types, such as: Linear Search, Binary Search, Exponential Search, Jump Search, and others.

Sorting Algorithms: Algorithms that are used to arrange or rearrange data and values in lists or arrays, and they are very popular, and they have many types.

Dijkstra algorithm: This algorithm is used to quickly find the shortest path or distance between two points.

Bell Man Ford Algorithm: It is an algorithm used to find the shortest line between two points, especially in graphs with negative weights.

Much of what we do in our day-to-day lives comprises an algorithm: a sequence of step-by-step instructions geared to garner results. In the digital sphere, algorithms are everywhere. They’re the key component of any computer program, built into operating systems to ensure our devices adhere to the correct commands and deliver the right results on request.

An algorithm is a coded formula written into software that, when triggered, prompts the tech to take relevant action to solve a problem. Computer algorithms work via input and output. When data is entered, the system analyses the information given and executes the correct commands to produce the desired result. For example, a search algorithm responds to our search query by working to retrieve the relevant information stored within the data structure. 

There are three constructs to an algorithm.

Linear sequence: The algorithm progresses through tasks or statements, one after the other.

Conditional: The algorithm makes a decision between two courses of action, based on the conditions set, i.e. if X is equal to 10 then do Y.

Loop: The algorithm is made up of a sequence of statements that are repeated a number of times.

conclusion

The purpose of any algorithm is to eliminate human error and to arrive at the best solution, time and time again, as quickly and efficiently as possible. Useful for tech users, but essential for data scientists, developers, analysts and statisticians, whose work relies on the extraction, organisation and application of complex data sets.