Created by: Shivam midha

 

 

Algorithms are an integral part of every computer software and several hardware processes. They are used to solve problems both by computer programs and humans, but the term is more commonly used in the computer world. This article will explain the concept of an algorithm as well as explore its types and various applications.

 

 

What Is An Algorithm?

 

 

An algorithm is a procedure or a set of rules that need to be followed in order to achieve a goal. In other words, it is a formula used to solve a problem. The term “algorithm” is mostly used in the area of computations in modern mathematics and is one of the key concepts in computer science. A complex algorithm uses advanced mathematical and logical methods, which often translate to thousands of lines in programming languages.

 

Beyond numerical calculations, the concept refers to any step-by-step process that can effectively provide a solution. Thus, it's a very general concept. For instance, a recipe for baking a pie that requires you to execute a series of steps in a specific order until the dish is ready to eat is an algorithm.

 

 

Applications Of Algorithms

 

 

The daily life examples of algorithmic thinking include cooking, managing workflow, planning events, and similar. You encounter simple and complex algorithms every day that simplify your tasks and help you achieve your desired objectives.

 

More advanced algorithms are procedures used to solve puzzles like Rubik’s cube and make calculations to figure out percentage differences in your portfolio returns. The latter, which can be performed by a software tool, is itself an algorithmic process. A typical computer algorithm is a computational technique that accepts value or a set of values as inputs and processes them to produce an output, a solution to a problem. Currency converter tools are another example of this.

 

An interesting use case of incredibly complex algorithms is seen in games such as online blackjack and other table games that are transposed to the digital realm. These games are implemented with a series of algorithms designed to handle various tasks. A computer dealer who makes real-time decisions, the card system that simulates the randomness of a deck of blackjack cards, and the system that manages player bets — all of that is brought together with several sets of instructions that the game follows to provide you with a dynamic gaming experience.

 

The advancement in computer technology is not only allowing developers to create cutting-edge blackjack games, but also open world games with more depth. Implementation of incredibly complex algorithms was not possible before due to hardware limitations. Now, with powerful GPUs and Neural Processing Units (NPUs), developers are able to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

 

AI systems use machine learning (ML) algorithms to analyze data, discover hidden patterns, and create image classifications. Natural language processing models, recommendation engines, search engines, speech recognition tools, and autonomous agents are just a few of many examples that employ algorithms.

 

 

Types Of Algorithms

 

 

Algorithms can be classified into various categories, here are some main types:

 

Recursive Algorithm: This is a type of algorithm that calls itself with smaller input values until it solves a problem. A recursive algorithm breaks down large complex problems into small solvable ones and then produces results for the current input.

 

Search Algorithm: A search algorithm accepts input in form of keywords from the user, looks up its database for content relevant to the search query and returns results. Linear search and binary search are its subcategories, each with its own use cases.

 

Classification Algorithm: This algorithm assigns an instance a specific class based on its traits or characteristics. Classification algorithms are used by AI systems to label data, identify patterns and to learn about statistical anomalies.

 

Encryption Algorithm: This algorithm defines a set of steps to encrypt and decrypt information so that it cannot be viewed by unauthorized parties. Only users with the encryption key from the algorithm can decrypt the information. The encryption process essentially makes the information incomprehensible until it is accessed by the permissioned user.

 

 

Why Do We Use Algorithms?

 

 

To solve an infinite number of problems of the same type, you need a unique method, a general solution to a problem, which is called an algorithm. Historically, humans have always sought this, and our ability to add any two numbers from infinitely possible combinations was the result. The hypotenuse algorithm, which is the Pythagorean theorem, is another iconic example of this quest. This inherent trait not only simplifies our everyday tasks but also makes it easier for us to grasp “step-by-step” guides.

 

 

The Bottom Line

 

 

Algorithms in computer context refer to lines of code that are written in programming languages such as C++ or Python. The lines of code represent a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem. The program in which an algorithm is implemented then instructs the computer or a hardware machine on how to execute it. It can only grow more complex from there.