This is an old revision of the document!
- Algorithms as a whole do not just pertain to the field of computer science even though they are commonly used.
- Biologists, economists, etc. use them everyday.
- Algorithms are not just restricted to the ones that we will learn in this class (ie. well-known, long-standing, clearly defined algorithms). Often times they will be these “popular” algorithms but will be tweaked, mutated, and made to conform to the unique requirements that each use has.
- Algorithms should be an idea through which you look to solve problems.
- Due to the often messy nature of applying algorithms, there are two components of them that we can define:
- The clean mathematical core of the problem (ie. cookie-cutter algorithm that is well-defined).
- The task of applying the appropriate design techniques of algorithms based on the specific problem.
- Algorithms shouldn't just solve a problem but should also in doing so, define the underlying questions in it.
- Goal of the book:
- Ordered List ItemLearn how to approach algorithms as a design process, by first understanding the algorithmic design techniques and then by learning which efficient algorithms to apply.
