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Questions and Answers
What is the trade-off mentioned regarding algorithm performance?
What is the primary reason for needing algorithms?
Which characteristic must an algorithm have in terms of steps?
Why do we need to break down big real-world problems into smaller steps?
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Which component of an algorithm receives the required inputs and produces the desired output?
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What is a key feature of an algorithm in terms of its steps?
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What is the relation between an algorithm and a program?
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Which of the following is NOT a way to specify an algorithm?
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What is the primary goal of algorithm design?
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How do data structures relate to algorithms in programming?
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What does a program consist of?
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Why is it difficult to optimize time consumption and memory usage simultaneously in algorithm design?
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Study Notes
Algorithm Basics
- An algorithm is a clearly specified set of simple instructions to solve a problem.
- It takes a set of values as input and produces a value or set of values as output.
- Algorithms can be specified in English, as a computer program, or as pseudo-code.
Problem and Algorithm
- A problem can be a real-world problem or an instance from a real-world problem that requires a program or set of instructions.
- An algorithm is designed for a problem and is a step-by-step procedure.
Input, Processing, and Output
- After designing an algorithm, the required and desired inputs are provided to the algorithm.
- The input is given to the processing unit, which produces the desired output.
Why We Need Algorithms
- Algorithms are necessary for scalability and performance.
- Scalability helps break down big real-world problems into smaller, manageable steps.
- Performance is improved when problems can be easily broken down into smaller steps.
Characteristics of an Algorithm
Finiteness
- An algorithm must complete after a finite number of steps.
- The algorithm should have a finite number of steps.
- Examples of finite steps include specified instructions, whereas infinite steps are represented by infinite loops.
Data Structures and Programs
- A data structure is the way data are organized in a computer’s memory.
- A program is a set of instructions written to solve a problem, which includes data structures and algorithms.
- Program = Data structures + Algorithm.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the introduction to algorithms and elementary data structures. Learn about what algorithms are and how they are specified in English, computer programs, and pseudo-code.
