Importance of Algorithms in Programming

 

                   What is an Algorithm? Algorithm can be simply defined as the set of step by step instructions for solving a problem to achieve a result. These algorithms are very important when we use computers to solve problems, because computers are general purpose machines. Therefore, in order for a computer to be useful, we must give it a problem to solve and a technique for solving the problem. It is very important to give problem and solving techniques in the correct procedure, otherwise the computer become unable to work as an effective problem solving machine.

                      In order to convert the algorithm to a computer understandable, it must have certain characteristics. According to the formal definition given above, there are five important characteristics of an algorithm as stated below.

• well ordered 
• has unambiguous operations
• has effectively computable operations
• produces a result
• halts in a finite amount of time

 

Types of Algorithms

                 There are different concepts we use to accomplish a task. Algorithms are also classified according to those concepts. While there are many types of algorithms, the most fundamental types of computer science algorithms are:

• Divide and conquer algorithms
• Randomized algorithms 
• Brute force algorithms
• Recursive algorithms
• Greedy algorithms
• Backtracking algorithms 
• Dynamic programming algorithms

Representation of Algorithms

                       We can represent algorithms in a graphical method as well as a textual method; graphically as Flowchart and textually as Pseudo Code. Pseudo code is more concise and clear than structured English. Representing your problem solution with a flow chart or pseudo code, allows you to concentrate on the logic of the solution without worrying about the programming language syntax.

In flowcharts we can show the problem solving procedure step by step clearly including standard symbols. As the symbols used for flowcharts are standard symbols, others also can understand the algorithm behind the flowchart easily. On the other hand representing algorithms using Pseudo codes is also important in IT industry. Pseudo codes are written in simple English in a well structured manner which is also easy to understand by humans. After writing the algorithm in pseudo code, translation to any programming language is straightforward.

                                Algorithms are used in every part of computer science. They form the field's backbone. In computer science, an algorithm gives the computer a specific set of instructions, which allows the computer to do everything. In the modern IT industry computer algorithms play a big role. It determines how social media works: which posts show up, which ads are seen, and so on. These decisions are all made by algorithms.