Algorithm: What is it, how does it work and what are its applications?

Nowadays, with the rapid development of technology, it is difficult to find people who have never used a computer and its algorithms. Purposes can vary greatly, such as text editing, games, or more complex activities. It is already difficult to imagine our life without using this tool.

In this activity, which is very common in our daily lives, you must have stopped and thought about how programs work. How come the computer does each task exactly the way you want it to? The answer to this question is simpler than it seems: follow the instructions you give.

But he needs more specific language to understand what you say. Programming languages ​​have been developed to make this interpretation between man and machine. But even these languages ​​use logic to write, and that’s where algorithms come into play.

What is an algorithm and what is it for?

An algorithm is nothing more than this a logical, finite, defined set of instructions that must be followed to solve a problem or accomplish a task. In other words, we can call it a recipe that shows step by step the procedures required to solve a task.

And the best part: “What to do?” It answers the question “how to do it” rather than the question “how to do it”. In more technical terms, an algorithm. Although you may not realize it, you use algorithms intuitively and automatically when performing common tasks every day.

Since these activities are simple and do not require thinking about the instructions required to do them, the algorithm embedded in them remains unnoticed. For example, when you need to change a light bulb:

Beginning
1. Check whether the switch is closed;
2. Look for a new lamp;
3. Get a ladder;
4. Move the ladder to the location;
5. Position the ladder;
6. Climb the steps;
7. Stop at the appropriate time;
8. Remove the burnt bulb;
9. Install the new bulb;
10. Go down the stairs;
11. Activate the switch;
If the lamp does not turn on, Later:
11.1. Remove the burnt bulb;
11.2. Install another new bulb
if not
12. Mission completed;

13. Throw away the burnt bulb;
14. Guard the ladder;
Last

How do algorithms work?

Algorithms are widely used in the field of programming. Explaining the steps that must be taken in order for a program to perform its assigned tasks.. There are various ways to write an algorithm, including pseudocode (or structured Portuguese), flowchart, Chapin diagram, and narrative description.

For example, in the example of changing a light bulb, the order written was in the narrative explanation. This form is not commonly used in calculation because it can be ambiguous and lead to misinterpretations.

The two most common types are pseudocode, which uses a more structured form, similar to those used by programming languages, and flowchart, which uses geometric shapes to show steps to follow.

Chapin Diagram, Nassi-Shneiderman Diagram or NS Diagram shows the solution through hierarchical and structured tables. This type is not widely used because it is difficult to illustrate various procedures using this diagram.

Pseudolanguage: How does it work when creating an algorithm?

One of the ways to start programming and understand how everything works is to start with a pseudo-language or pseudo-code. The technique consists of you putting together a series of actions that are closer to what the computer understands.but still in your native language and easy to understand.

For this, it is very important to have knowledge about variables, constants and operations. Lessons that are also introductory but we will not include here. Keeping these in mind, let’s create a program that adds two constant values.

• Beginning;

• number 1 = integer; //Indicating the existence of a number belonging to the set Z;

• number 2 = integer;

• Write (“Sum of numbers”, number 1 + number 2);

• Last;

After completing the algorithm and taking courses in the desired programming language, It is interesting to start by converting code made in pseudo-language into computer language.Python, C, C++, Java and others you may have heard of before.

An algorithm is something you use all the time and don’t even realize it. A very interesting way to exercise your logic would be, for example, when you wake up one day, you stop and think about your routine. Once you put it on paper you’ll realize it’s much more complex than it seems and how automatic it is to implement.

What are the main benefits of using algorithms?

If we use a social network or browser to search for information, it is due to the algorithm. This in itself makes this code very important today. But there are countless benefits beyond these two possibilities! Discover three of them:

Automation

In a world where Artificial Intelligence is on the rise, automated methods are considered gold. In this scenario, Algorithms are essential for creating processes that help us make routine tasks simpler.

Machine Learning is key right now. Ultimately, using Machine Learning it is possible to create logical and efficient sequences so that software can learn the structure and automate activities.

Competence

Compared to humans, Algorithms – if designed correctly – can process larger amounts of data more consistently. This means greater productivity, for example, while a company’s employees focus on other tasks while algorithms work on other procedures.

Decisions

If you work in environments where fast decision making is required, algorithms can do this. After all, when they are well trained, they can identify patterns, anticipate challenges, and make the best decision based on the situation.

What are the main types of algorithms?

Depending on the context, some type of algorithm is used. After all, the software works differently. Check out some variations of these logical structure mechanisms:

Search algorithm

Where do we look when we want to learn some information? That’s right, on Google! The famous “Google it then”.

Therefore search algorithms used to list results on a large number of topics. The best thing about them is that they are structured to deliver the best content to the user, be it textual or audiovisual. All of this happens through rules that record every step we take on the internet.

Sorting algorithm

Sorting algorithms designed for organizations with specific orders are used to solve problems.

The most common are: Bubble Sort, Merge Sort, Quick Sort, Heap Sort, Count Sort, Radix Sort, Bucket Sort, Insertion Sort and Selective Sort. The most easily found orders are numerical and alphabetical.

tree algorithm

Tree algorithm, as the name suggests, refers to the structure of a tree. After all, data is used in a hierarchical way where we have a root, branches and leaves. Operations are done in binary form where we have a maximum of two elements.

Machine Learning Algorithms

Machine learning algorithms are created so that computers can learn processes from data and then automate tasks with surprising results. They focus on patterns and outline problem-solving strategies from there.

The most common ones involving artificial intelligence are:

• Neural Networks;
• Decision trees;
• Support Vector Machine (SVM);
• K-Means.

How do ethics and privacy work in the Age of Algorithms?

Since algorithms will be used in the daily lives of countless people, it is important to maintain transparency when producing and distributing them. And there’s nothing fairer than them knowing how the software they use works, right? Because they are made by humans, algorithms can have harmful behaviors that need to be addressed and changed.

Provenability is also important. Data provided for the operation of algorithms must be kept confidential. For this, this information must be processed in a way that it is stored within the company without leaks that could harm users.

What did you think of the content? Check out TecMundo for more articles like this! Take the opportunity to delve deeper into the subject and read the recommendations of 7 books to read and improve on programming and algorithms. Until next time!

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Article updated by Carolina Saldanha on 11/08/2024.