What Is An Algorithm? | What Exactly Is Algorithm? | Algorithm Basics Explained | Simplilearn
Summary
TLDRThis video from Simply Learn's YouTube channel explores the concept of algorithms, their characteristics, and the process of writing them. It uses the analogy of making tea to illustrate an algorithm's step-by-step approach. The video covers algorithm analysis, complexities, and the differences between algorithms and programming, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of using algorithms in problem-solving.
Takeaways
- đ An algorithm is a method or set of rules to be followed to perform calculations or solve problems, often represented as a step-by-step process.
- đ The characteristics of an algorithm include clarity, well-defined inputs and outputs, feasibility, finiteness, and language independence.
- đ Writing an algorithm does not have strict rules and is not tied to a specific programming language; it should support conditional and iterative statements.
- đą Algorithm analysis can be done priori (theoretical) and posterior (practical) to understand the time and space requirements of an algorithm.
- â± Time complexity, expressed with Big O notation, measures the amount of time an algorithm takes to execute based on the number of steps.
- đŠ Space complexity, also expressed with Big O notation, calculates the amount of memory required by an algorithm to solve a problem.
- đ Advantages of algorithms include their ease of understanding, step-by-step representation, and ability to break down problems into smaller parts.
- đ« Disadvantages include the time-consuming nature of writing algorithms and the difficulty in demonstrating branching and looping statements.
- đ The main differences between algorithms and programming are that algorithms are problem-solving techniques, while programs are tasks performed by computers; algorithms can be executed by humans, whereas programs require compilers; and algorithms use natural language, while programs use programming languages.
- đ The tutorial provides a comprehensive overview of what algorithms are, how they are written, analyzed, and the complexities involved, as well as their advantages, disadvantages, and distinctions from programming.
Q & A
What is the main topic of the session presented in the video script?
-The main topic of the session is to discuss what an algorithm is, its characteristics, how to write one, algorithm analysis and complexities, advantages and disadvantages, and the differences between algorithms and programming.
What is the real-life example given in the script to illustrate the concept of an algorithm?
-The real-life example given is the process of making tea, where Shreya follows a series of steps to achieve the desired outcome of a cup of tea.
What are the six characteristics of an algorithm mentioned in the script?
-The six characteristics are: clear and unambiguous, well-defined inputs, well-defined outputs, feasibility, finiteness, and language independence.
How is the process of making tea related to the concept of an algorithm in computer science?
-The process of making tea is related to an algorithm in computer science as both involve a set of rules or steps that must be followed in a specific order to achieve a desired outcome.
What does the script suggest about the importance of clear and unambiguous steps in an algorithm?
-The script suggests that clear and unambiguous steps are important because they make the algorithm straightforward, simple, easily readable, and lead to a single conclusion.
Why is it necessary for an algorithm to have well-defined inputs and outputs?
-Well-defined inputs and outputs are necessary because they ensure that the algorithm can be expected to produce a specific outcome when given certain inputs, making it predictable and reliable.
What does the term 'finiteness' refer to in the context of algorithms?
-Finiteness refers to the property that an algorithm must be finite, meaning it should not result in infinite loops or similar situations, and must terminate after a certain number of steps.
How does the script describe the process of writing an algorithm?
-The script describes the process of writing an algorithm as not having hard and fast rules, being created to support conditional and iterative statements, and being developed in a step-by-step manner after the problem domain has been well-defined.
What are the two types of algorithm analysis mentioned in the script?
-The two types of algorithm analysis mentioned are priori analysis, which is theoretical and performed before implementation, and post analysis, which is practical and performed after the algorithm is created to determine time and space requirements.
How is the time complexity of an algorithm expressed in the script?
-The time complexity of an algorithm is expressed using the Big O notation, which is used to count the number of steps required to complete the task and is indicative of the algorithm's efficiency.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of algorithms as discussed in the script?
-The advantages include ease of understanding, step-by-step representation, and breaking down problems into smaller steps. The disadvantages include the time-consuming nature of writing algorithms and the difficulty in demonstrating branching and looping statements.
What are the key differences between an algorithm and programming as outlined in the script?
-The key differences are that an algorithm is a notation or technique for solving a problem, can be decoded by a human, is a design of the solution, and is written using natural language, whereas programming is directly associated with computers, run by compilers, involves implementation and testing, and is written in a programming language.
Outlines
đ Introduction to Algorithms
This paragraph introduces the topic of algorithms, emphasizing the channel's commitment to daily updates on various technologies. It invites viewers to subscribe for the latest tech trends and highlights the session's agenda, which includes defining an algorithm, discussing its characteristics, how to write one, analyzing algorithms and their complexities, and the advantages and disadvantages of algorithms. The paragraph concludes with a real-life example of making tea to illustrate the concept of an algorithm in computer science, defined as a method or set of rules to perform calculations or solve problems through a sequence of steps.
đ Characteristics and Writing of Algorithms
This section delves into the characteristics of algorithms, outlining six key attributes: clarity, well-defined inputs and outputs, feasibility, finiteness, and language independence. It then explains the process of writing algorithms, which are not tied to any specific programming language and must support conditional and iterative statements. The paragraph provides an example of creating an algorithm to find the largest number among three, demonstrating different approaches to the same problem. It also introduces the concepts of priori and post analysis of algorithms, explaining the theoretical and practical aspects of algorithm evaluation.
đ Algorithm Analysis and Complexity
The focus of this paragraph is on algorithm analysis, discussing the theoretical (priori) and practical (post) analyses. It explains the purpose of these analyses, which is to determine the time and space requirements of an algorithm. The paragraph introduces the concepts of time complexity and space complexity, using big O notation to express these complexities. An example is given to illustrate time complexity, showing how the number of steps affects the efficiency of an algorithm. The explanation of space complexity includes the components considered when calculating it, such as program instructions, constant values, variable values, and auxiliary space.
đ Advantages, Disadvantages, and Differences Between Algorithms and Programming
The final paragraph discusses the pros and cons of algorithms. Advantages include their ease of understanding, step-by-step problem-solving approach, and the ability to break down complex problems. Disadvantages are noted, such as the time-consuming nature of writing algorithms and the difficulty in demonstrating branching and looping statements. The paragraph concludes by distinguishing between algorithms and programming, highlighting that algorithms are problem-solving techniques, whereas programs are tasks performed by computers. It also points out that algorithms can be understood by humans, while programs require compilers, and that algorithms are written in natural language, in contrast to programming languages used in coding.
Mindmap
Keywords
đĄAlgorithm
đĄCharacteristics of Algorithm
đĄInput
đĄOutput
đĄFeasibility
đĄFiniteness
đĄLanguage Independence
đĄAlgorithm Analysis
đĄTime Complexity
đĄSpace Complexity
đĄAdvantages and Disadvantages
đĄProgramming
Highlights
Introduction to the concept of an algorithm and its importance in daily life and computer science.
Explanation of how an algorithm works using the real-life example of making tea.
Definition of an algorithm as a method or set of rules to perform calculations or solve problems.
Discussion on the six characteristics of an algorithm: clear and unambiguous, well-defined inputs and outputs, feasibility, finiteness, and language independence.
Clarification on the clear and unambiguous nature of algorithms, ensuring straightforward and easily readable steps.
Importance of well-defined inputs and outputs for the predictability and effectiveness of an algorithm.
Finiteness characteristic ensuring algorithms do not result in infinite loops.
Feasibility of algorithms being practical and executable with available resources.
Language independence of algorithms, allowing implementation in any programming language.
Guidance on how to write an algorithm, emphasizing flexibility and problem-solving steps.
Illustration of writing an algorithm to determine the largest number among three given numbers.
Introduction to algorithm analysis, including priori and post analysis.
Explanation of time complexity and space complexity in algorithm analysis.
Use of big O notation to express time and space complexity of algorithms.
Advantages of algorithms such as ease of understanding and step-by-step problem-solving.
Disadvantages of algorithms like time consumption and difficulty in demonstrating branching and looping.
Differentiation between algorithms and programming, highlighting their unique roles and applications.
Conclusion of the tutorial with an invitation for queries and further learning opportunities.
Transcripts
hey everyone welcome to simply learn's
youtube channel in this session we will
discuss what is an algorithm but before
we begin let me tell you guys that we
have daily updates on multiple
technologies if you're a tech geek in a
continuous hunt for latest technological
trends then consider getting subscribed
to our youtube channel and don't forget
to hit that bell icon to never miss an
update from simply done
now without further ado let's get
started with the agenda for today's
session
first we will get started with what is
an algorithm
followed by that we will look into the
characteristics of algorithm
next we will learn how to write an
algorithm
moving ahead we will look at algorithm
analysis and algorithm complexities
after that we will discuss the
advantages and disadvantages of
algorithms and finally we will see some
differences between algorithms and
programming
i hope i made myself clear with the
agenda now let's get started with the
first point that is what exactly is an
algorithm
how does algorithm work in real life
so we'll have a use case here
on my screen we have a lady and she is
shreya shreya wants to make some tea and
for that she is following some steps
so the first step is she'll take a pan
and fill it with water and place it on a
gas stove
followed by that the second step is
she'll make sure that the water comes to
a nice boil and then she adds some tea
leaves and sugar followed by step 2 we
have step 3 where she'll allow the leaf
to be fully expanded and she'll add some
milk after that
next we have the stefo where she will
wait for the tea to come for a good
decent boil
next we have step 5 where she'll turn
off the gas and she'll take the pan off
from the stove and the tea is ready to
get filtered and lastly we have the step
6 where she is all set with the tea
in computer science an algorithm is a
method or set of rules that we must be
following to perform some specific
calculations or other problem solving
operations
as a result an algorithm is a collection
of rules or instructions that govern how
a work needs to be conducted step by
step to achieve the desired results to
accomplish a task
we first provide some input and then
follow a sequence of steps to acquire
the required outcome of the input so
that is the fundamental definition of an
algorithm and we also had a use case and
now we will move ahead and understand
the characteristics of algorithms
so basically we have six characteristics
of algorithm so the first one is it
should be clear and unambiguous the
second one is that it has to be well
defined inputs and the third one is that
it has to be having well-defined outputs
as well the fourth property of an
algorithm is its feasibility followed by
that
finiteness and finally we have language
independence
now we will look into each one of the
characteristics in detail so first we
have clear and unambiguous so this
statement is the one which states that
the algorithm should be straightforward
simple and easily readable
each one of its steps should be distinct
in every way and lead it to a single
conclusion
so the next one is it should be having
well-defined inputs so this means that
an algorithm should indicate what output
can be expected as well as the input
should be properly well-defined now we
have the third one similarly we should
also have well-defined outputs so the
well-defined output characteristics of
an algorithm means that the algorithm
must clearly indicate what output can be
expected as well as the output should
also be well defined followed by the
third characteristic we have the fourth
characteristic that is the finiteness of
algorithm so the finiteness of algorithm
says that the algorithm must be finite
and it must not result in infinite loops
or similar situations
so followed by the fourth one we have
the fifth characteristic that defines
about the feasibility of an algorithm
so feasibility of an algorithm states
that the algorithm must be really simple
generic and practical
it must be able to be executed with
resources available
now the last characteristic of the
algorithm is being independent of the
language
so it means that the algorithm should be
defined in such a way that it is
completely independent of the language
it must be simple instructions that can
be implemented using any programming
language
so these were the six major
characteristics of algorithm now let's
move ahead and understand how to write
an algorithm
writing an algorithm does not have any
hard and fast rules
next algorithms are never created to
support a specific programming language
as we all know algorithm should be
capable enough to support the
conditional statements such as if if
else switch etc
an algorithm should be capable enough to
execute some of the conditional
statements such as if if else switch etc
and also it must be capable to execute
the iterative statements such as for
loop while loop do while loop etc
we usually create algorithms in a
step-by-step manner however this isn't
always the case
after the problem domain has been well
defined algorithm writing is a procedure
that is carried out
we build an algorithm to find a solution
to a problem a problem can be resolved
in a variety of ways let's look at an
example of how to write an algorithm
consider the following scenario we need
to create an algorithm to determine the
largest number among the three given
numbers x y and z as a result the
initial solution to the problem can be
written in this manner so we begin with
reading all the three numbers and in the
second step we will have a condition
that says if x is greater than y we will
proceed to step four else we will
proceed to step 5.
next in step 4 we establish a condition
that if x is greater than z then x is
the largest of the three numbers
otherwise z is the largest
if y is greater than z z will be the
greatest number otherwise y will be the
largest number amongst all the three in
step five
and the procedure will be terminated
let's have a look at what the next
solution has to offer in this algorithm
we begin by reading all the three
variables then compare all the three
numbers in the third step to determine
the largest number which is if x is
greater than y then there is another if
else statement that states that if x is
greater than y then x is largest
otherwise z is the largest
then this if else statement which says
that if y is greater than z then y is
greater otherwise z is the greatest of
the three numbers so this is how we have
multiple solutions to the same problem
so after discussing these solutions we
will move ahead and understand algorithm
analysis
the algorithm may be studied in two
levels first before it is made and then
after it is created the two analysis of
an algorithm are as follows the first
one is priori analysis and the second
one is the post analysis so first we
will talk about the priori analysis
priori analysis refers to the
theoretical analysis of an algorithm
performed before its implementation
before implementing the algorithm other
parameters such as processor speed might
be considered
which does not affect the implementation
component next we will talk about post
analysis
a practical analysis of an algorithm is
called as posterior analysis and it
utilizes any computer language to build
the algorithm the purpose of this
analysis is to determine how much time
and space the algorithm takes to operate
now after being understood the algorithm
analysis we will be able to comprehend
the algorithm complexity two methods can
be used to assess the algorithm
complexity the first one is time
complexity which states that the amount
of time required to finish an
algorithm's execution is known as its
time complexity
followed by time complexity the other
one is the space complexity which is
calculated by the quantity of space
required to solve a problem and produce
an output of space complexity of an
algorithm
let's take a closer look at these
complexities
now we will begin with time complexity
of an algorithm the big o notation is
used to express an algorithm's time
complexity the asymptomatic notation is
used to depict temporary complexity of
big o notation
the time complexity is mainly determined
by counting the number of steps required
to complete the task
let's take a look at an example to
understand this time complexity in a
much better way
if we want to find out a multiplication
of n numbers we can do it by executing a
loop from 1 to n then calculating
multiplication when the loop ends then
multiplication holds the n numbers
multiplication and last we return the
calculated multiplication
the loop statements time complexity will
be at least n and when the number of n
increases the time complexity will also
increase
while the code's complexity that is
returns multiplication will remain
constant because its value is unaffected
by the value of n and it will obtain the
result in every single step
next we will discuss about space
complexity which is expressed with big o
notation just as time complexity
these four items are stored in space
complexity it initially saves program
instructions then stores constant values
then stores variable values and finally
it keeps track of function cells jumping
statements and so on the sum of
auxiliary space and input size is used
to calculate space complexity the extra
space or temporary space used by an
algorithm is referred to an auxiliary
space after learning about algorithm
complexity we will look at some of the
algorithms pros and cons so let's start
with the advantages of algorithms
firstly algorithms are easy to
understand
next algorithms are step-by-step
representation of a solution and lastly
the problem is broken down into smaller
bits or steps in an algorithm making it
easier for the programmer now an
algorithm also have various drawbacks
one of which being it takes long time to
write hence it is time consuming
second con of the algorithm is
algorithms make it harder to demonstrate
branching and looping statements
so followed by the advantages and
disadvantages of algorithms we now enter
into the final segment where we discuss
the differences between algorithms and
programming so the first difference is
that
an algorithm is a type of programming on
the other hand a program is more
directly associated with the computer
performing one or more tasks but an
algorithm is more of a notation a
technique for solving a problem
now let us discuss the second difference
an algorithm can be decoded or run by a
human whereas the program is only run or
decoded by a set of compilers of the
computer
now the third difference
basically an algorithm is a design of
the solution to the problem
here we can only analyze the solution
but we can never run it
but whereas on the other hand
programming is completely a different
ballgame here you can directly implement
a certain phase or an entire program and
test the programs and get an output
so the fourth and the last difference
between an algorithm and programming is
an algorithm is written using natural
human vocabulary
whereas programs are written using any
programming language such as c c plus
plus java python etc
now with that we have come to an end of
this tutorial on what is an algorithm if
you have any queries regarding the
topics covered in this session then
please feel free to let us know in the
comment section below and our team of
experts will be happy to resolve all
your queries until next time thank you
stay safe and keep learning
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