Definition and Understanding of Algorithms
Talking about algorithms, we certainly remember mathematics and computer science. What is an algorithm, exactly? Algorithms are sequences of systematic steps used to solve a case.
There is also a mention that the definition of an algorithm is a series of procedures that need to be followed in calculating or solving a problem carried out by a computer. It can also be said that algorithms are all systematic and logical arrangements that are used in solving a problem by a computer.
So, the algorithm is a system of automatic calculation and recognition and processes data on a computer with the help of software. It has a finite set of instructions for calculating certain functions. If this is executed and processed, it will produce output, and later it will stop at the final condition as specified.
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The algorithm has the following basics:
- Sequence Algorithm or Sequential Algorithm
- Looping Algorithm or Loop Algorithm
- The Indonesian language Conditional Algorithm is called a Branching or Conditional Algorithm
Understanding Algorithms According to Experts
At first glance we understand what an algorithm is. Now, for more details, let’s look at the definition of algorithms based on expert opinion.
1. Abu Ja’far Muhammad Ibn Musa Al-Khawarizmi
Abu Ja’far Muhammad Ibn Musa Al-Khawarizmi is a mathematician from Uzbekistan, he gave an understanding of algorithms as a special method used in solving problems.
2. S. E. Goodman and S.T. Hedetniemi
They both say that algorithms are a finite sequence of well-defined operations. The bulk of these processes requires limited memory and time to solve the problem.
3. Donald Ervin Knuth
Donald Ervin Knuth made the notion of an algorithm as a finite rule with a series of operations to solve a particular problem.
4. Seymour Lipschutz and Marc Lipson
He is a computer expert and mathematician defines algorithms as a list of infinite steps of a well-defined and precise instructions in solving a problem or problem.
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5. Andrey Andreyevich Markov
Andrey Andreyevich Markov is a mathematician from Russia, he makes the understanding of algorithms as a general thing that is made to understand a right decision by defining the work process of a computer from the start to the desired result.
6. Marvin Minsky
Marvin Minsky is an expert on artificial intelligence, he says that algorithms are a set of rules that tell us from time to time to be able to act appropriately.
Some Algorithm Criteria
According to Donald E. Knuth, an algorithm has criteria that are related to one another. Following are these criteria.
Input: Problems that you experience will find a way out. Algorithms have zero or more input values.
Process: this is the plan or steps that are carried out to achieve the goal
Output: Output is the final value of an algorithm, or the work of the algorithm and it has an output value of at least one.
Clear and unambiguous instructions: An algorithm has criteria by which it produces clear instructions so that the resulting output or the end result is not wrong.
Final Purpose: An algorithm has an end goal, it can be said that this is the ultimate goal where when it reaches this goal it will stop working or processing.
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Algorithm Purpose and Functions
Now that we know the criteria for an algorithm, we now need to know what the purpose of the algorithm is or what it does. Basically, the function of an algorithm is to solve a problem. For more details, here we see the explanation.
- Simplifies complex and large programs
- Make it easy to make a program for a problem so that it is easy to solve
- Can be used continuously in solving problems and problems
- Solve problems systematically
- Minimizing repetitive writing of programs so that work is efficient
- The algorithm also aims to be able to top-down and divide and conquer.
- Makes it easy to create a neat and structured program and is easy to develop
- It is easy to modify the program, because it is because it only changes one module without changing other modules
- If there is a work error, the algorithm can find it quickly.
- The benefits and purposes of the algorithm also make documentation easy.
Algorithm Grouping
Algorithms are divided into several types, this is based on the experiment. Referring to the definition of algorithm above, algorithms are classified into:
1. Recursion and Iteration
Recursion is an algorithm that the way it works is to call itself repeatedly. While iteration is an algorithm with an iterative construction system, sometimes there is additional data on the structure being created.
3. Serial, Parallel, or Distributed
The serial algorithm is tasked with running the work of only one instruction. A parallel algorithm is an algorithm that is designed to be able to work or perform commands simultaneously at the same time. While distributed algorithms are algorithms that use not only one machine but use up to several machines in the network.
4. Deterministic or Non-deterministic
Deterministic algorithms can solve problems with the right decision. Meanwhile, non-deterministic algorithms are algorithms that solve problems or take a result by mere fiction.
5. Exact or Estimated
These algorithms may have the correct solution, or come close to the correct solution. The formulation can be done using a deterministic strategy.
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6. Quantum Algorithm
Quantum algorithm, this uses a realistic model of quantum computation.
7. Logical
This algorithm can position itself like a controlled deduction logic.
Examples of Using Algorithms
Here are some classifications of algorithms, now we will see how examples of using algorithms in a problem make it easier to solve the desired problem.
To facilitate our understanding, algorithms are not only in computation and mathematics, but in everyday life there are already many examples of algorithms. Here we see an example.
For example we will make a food, let’s say instant noodles, then the algorithm here is:
- There needs to be one instant miee bowl, 350 ml of water (2 cups), a frying pan, bowl, fork and spoon
- Put water in the pan
- Cooking or heating water on the stove
- Wait for the water to boil
- Next, put the instant mmie in it
- Stir for 3 minutes
- Add the seasonings
- Stir the spices evenly
- Serving instant noodles
That’s a little explanation about algorithms starting from understanding algorithms, criteria, functions to algorithm grouping and even examples of using the algorithm itself.
