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Algorithms Explained

The document provides a comprehensive overview of algorithms, detailing their characteristics, complexity, and various types including searching, sorting, recursion, and dynamic programming. It emphasizes the importance of algorithms in computer science for efficient problem-solving and resource management. Key concepts such as time and space complexity, as well as specific algorithms like Merge Sort and Dijkstra’s Algorithm, are highlighted.

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5 views2 pages

Algorithms Explained

The document provides a comprehensive overview of algorithms, detailing their characteristics, complexity, and various types including searching, sorting, recursion, and dynamic programming. It emphasizes the importance of algorithms in computer science for efficient problem-solving and resource management. Key concepts such as time and space complexity, as well as specific algorithms like Merge Sort and Dijkstra’s Algorithm, are highlighted.

Uploaded by

slafer438
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Algorithms Explained in Detail

Introduction
An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or formula for solving a problem or performing a
computation. Algorithms are the foundation of computer science, enabling computers to process
information and perform tasks efficiently.

1. Characteristics of Algorithms
- Input: An algorithm has zero or more inputs. - Output: Produces at least one output. -
Definiteness: Each step is precisely defined. - Finiteness: Must terminate after a finite number of
steps. - Effectiveness: Each step must be basic and feasible.

2. Algorithm Complexity
Efficiency of algorithms is measured using: - Time Complexity: How execution time grows with input
size. - Space Complexity: Amount of memory required. Complexity is expressed in Big O notation
(O(1), O(n), O(log n), O(n^2), etc.).

3. Searching Algorithms
- Linear Search: Sequentially checks each element (O(n)). - Binary Search: Divides sorted data in
half repeatedly (O(log n)).

4. Sorting Algorithms
- Bubble Sort: Repeatedly swaps adjacent elements (O(n^2)). - Selection Sort: Finds the smallest
element and places it in order (O(n^2)). - Insertion Sort: Builds sorted list one item at a time
(O(n^2)). - Merge Sort: Divide and conquer approach (O(n log n)). - Quick Sort: Partition-based
sorting (O(n log n) average).

5. Recursion
Recursion is a technique where a function calls itself to solve smaller instances of the same
problem. Example: Factorial, Fibonacci sequence.

6. Divide and Conquer


Breaks a problem into smaller subproblems, solves them recursively, and combines the results.
Example: Merge Sort, Quick Sort, Binary Search.

7. Dynamic Programming
Solves problems by breaking them down into overlapping subproblems and storing results to avoid
recomputation. Example: Fibonacci sequence optimization, Knapsack problem.
8. Greedy Algorithms
Make the locally optimal choice at each step, aiming for a global solution. Example: Activity
Selection Problem, Huffman Coding.

9. Graph Algorithms
- Breadth First Search (BFS): Explores neighbors first (O(V+E)). - Depth First Search (DFS):
Explores deeply before backtracking (O(V+E)). - Dijkstra’s Algorithm: Shortest path in weighted
graphs. - Kruskal’s and Prim’s: Minimum Spanning Tree (MST) algorithms.

10. Backtracking
Tries out solutions and abandons them if they do not work, exploring alternatives. Example:
N-Queens Problem, Sudoku Solver.

Conclusion
Algorithms are the essence of problem-solving in computer science. Choosing the right algorithm
ensures efficiency, scalability, and optimal resource usage.

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