Why are algorithms so important?

Many beginners and software developers ask this question at an early stage of their career because they believe in things they see, which is not the case with algorithms. In reality, we know the result, such as iOS, Windows apps, Android apps and many other. But, behind that process algorithms stand. Another question that imposes is why do we make algorithms? To explain this question more comfortable, we will use a simple example. Let’s image you are building a house out of bricks. You have a general idea how the house should look like, how many rooms should have and how much materials you need. But, you aren’t an expert, and you could build something that looks like a house, but, can it stand winds, waves, weather conditions, and earthquakes? The same rule you can apply to programs when you write them without algorithms

Runtime analysis

One of the essential aspects of algorithms is their speed. It is easy to come up with an algorithm to resolve a problem, but, if it’s too slow, it’s back to drawing board. Considering that speed of an algorithm depends on where it is run, as well as the precise details of its use, developers usually talk about the runtime relative to the size of the input.

Google search algorithms

Google in the most popular search engine in the world, and it generates the millions of search inquiries every day. Some of them are complex, while other are simple. But, in order to manage all these queries, it has to use a variety of algorithms such as indexing algorithms, safe-search algorithms, site and page quality algorithms, Google instant and many more. They all have one thing in common, to show the results according to users’ requests.

Online money transactions

Online transactions have become the easiest way for individuals and companies to pay their bills and buy some accessories. But, many of us don’t know who our bank account and pin number are processed by banking gateway while performing a transaction. A lot of service providers use secure gateways for banks to complete any transactions safely. This helps companies like Master Card and Visa to keep their users’ information, such as card number, password, and bank statement safely. This entire process is managed through a series of algorithms that provide people reliable and save use. Without them, you won’t be able to make any online payment and still keep your safety.

Space search programs

The use of computer algorithms plays an essential role in space search programs. Scientists have to use massive calculations, and they are managed by high-end mainframe computers, which are enriched with sophisticated algorithms. Algorithms also decide which processor, Intel i7, i3, i5, is the best for any complex problem. We are in the age of algorithms because they solve our everyday tasks and we won’t be able to live with them. They make our life more comfortable and, in the future, they will be able to predict our behavior.

Top four real algorithms that dominate our world

If you are an algorithm beginner, then you must be wondering who we can explain them, what are they and how they impact our society? In fact, algorithms are all around us, and they make the digital world functional. It is essential to mention that algorithms aren’t only used in computing sciences but they are a mathematical entity. They were first discovered in 1600 BC, but the modern use started around 1930s. In this article, we will explain the top four algorithms that rule the world and why without them our life wouldn’t be possible.

Merge sort, quick sort, and heap sort

What is the best algorithm to manage elements? It all depends on what you need, and that’s why we put the three more frequently used algorithms which are used to sort items. Maybe you have preferences, but three of them are equally good. The merge sort algorithm is one of the essential algorithms nowadays. It uses divide and conquers approach to solve problems. John von Neumann invented this algorithm in 1945. The quicksort has a different approach to sorting issues. It can use in-place partition algorithms, but the problem with them is that they aren’t stable sort, except for sorting RAM-based arrays. The last one is the heap sort which uses priority queue that decreases time in the data.

Fourier Transform and Fast Fourier Transform

Our entire digital world uses three simple, but very potent algorithms, which change signals form their time domain into their frequency domain and vice versa. In fact, you are seeing and reading this articles thanks to these algorithms. The internet, Wi-Fi connection, smartphones, PCs, satellites and other devices have a computer inside and use these algorithms to function, and you can’t get a degree in science without studying this type of algorithms.

Dijkstra’s algorithm

It is safe to say that internet wouldn’t be functional without this algorithm. This graph search algorithm is used in various applications and, in this case, the problem can be modeled and presented as a graph, and you have to find the shortest path between two nodes. Considering that science has advanced, and today we can use better solutions of finding the shortest route, but Dijkstra’s algorithm is still used because of its stability in systems which require it.

RSA algorithm

If there weren’t cryptography and cybersecurity, then the internet wouldn’t be as important as it is today. The security can be observed from different perspectives, you may think security in the era of NSA and other intelligence agencies or are you really that naïve to believe that you are safe on the Internet. People need to be safe to spend their money. After all, you wouldn’t fill out your credit card number on the web, if you know it’s not secure. In this case, RSA algorithm remains as the most important in the field of cryptography. It shapes who cryptography works, and it’s a solution to a simple, but also challenging problems.

What are algorithms and how are they used?

Algorithms represent processes or set of rules which are followed in calculations or other math problems. They solve problems, primarily by computers. Algorithms are essential for website ranking in the world’s biggest search engine. They have the power to teach a robot to perform certain operations, and they are even involved in the stock market. In many ways, algorithms shape the life we know and make it easier for us. But, what are they precisely, where did they come from and how will they determine the human future? This would be a small guide through the world of algorithms to get you familiar with them.

The history of algorithms

The first time the term algorithm was used was back in 780 by a Persian mathematician Al-Khwarizmi. He was also an astronomer, geographer, and scholar. But, the origin of algorithms goes even further in the past. The first recorded mathematical algorithms were in 1600 BC when Babylonians developed them for factorization and finding square roots. However, the modern algorithms appeared in the late 1920s and were developed through 1930s. The first one who introduced the recursive functions was Godel-Herbrand-Kleene.

Features of algorithms

They must stop at a particular time – for example, if your task is to make a meal, then the algorithm is a meal recipe. Here you are instructed what to do, how to prepare, what ingredients to mix, what temperature to set and when to stop making, to cook a delicious dish. The same rule applies to algorithms.

It must have detailed step-by-step instructions – if your task is to locate some building, then the algorithm is a set of directions which will clearly explain where to go and what to do to find the building.

It must prove effectiveness – if your task is to build a toy car, then the algorithm is your instruction manual, which will guide you through this process. It will help you assemble the parts, and you will end up with a functional toy.

Dominant algorithms

In the digital world, everything is connected, from search engines, social networks to online marketing. In this case, the study of relations between different entities is essential. There are a lot of approaches and features of link analysis, and each of them can be an algorithm, although the bases are similar. For example, think about Facebook’s friend suggestions, YouTube video recommendations, Google’s page rank. Even though the parameters may be different, but the math behind them is the same. The algorithms are working behind our screens, and average users aren’t aware of it.

Data compression

From zip to mp3 and from JPEG to MPEG-2, these algorithms compress data and make systems more affordable, more efficient and more accessible to transmit. Data compression is often used in video games, videos, music, cloud computing, data storage, databases and any files you download to your computer. This type of algorithm will save you a lot of space and make your system run smoothly.