What is an Algorithm

An algorithm (or solution method) refers to a clearly defined requirement for action to solve a problem or a certain type of problem in a finite number of steps. In daily life, it is easy to find examples of algorithms: for instance a recipe. Sub-tasks, such as frying or stirring are also algorithms.

Also repair and instruction manuals or help to fill out forms are control algorithms. Another, slightly more detailed example is washing programs.

Algorithms can be represented graphically in program plans DIN 66001 or ISO 5807.

Computer science and mathematics

Algorithms are one of the central themes of computer science and mathematics. They are the subject of some specialized areas of theoretical computer science, complexity theory and computability theory. In the form of computer programs and electronic circuits they control computers and other machines.

Algorithms and programs

There are various algorithms for formal representations. These range from the abstract algorithm as a counterpart to the program tailored specifically to a machine. For viewing, algorithms are the engine programs of Turing machines (although this is an abstraction in the use of the Turing machine itself,) and is an ideal mathematical machine.

First computer algorithm

The first thought for a computer algorithm (to calculate) by Bernoulli was detained in 1843 by Ada Lovelace in her notes on Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine. It is therefore regarded as the first computer programmer. Because Charles was unable to complete his Analytical Engine Babbage, Ada Lovelace’s algorithm was never implemented.

Current situation

Principle picture expert system for Rete algorithm, published in 1979, free

Algorithms for computers today are as varied as the applications they will enable. The electronic control device for use in cars on the spelling and syntax-checking in a text editor to the analysis of stock markets, thousands of more or less suitable working algorithms.

Then, depending on national implementation and algorithms of computer science (in addition to the generally oppressive implementations of copyright to the individual) can be protected by patent law and does not always have unlimited free use.

This concerns or is related to, for example, algorithms that are old on the mathematics of the Hough transform (updated frequently with new approach to build-application), programs that want to read and write GIF image format, or programs in the field of audio and video processing, as the corresponding algorithms they are implemented in the corresponding codecs which are often not freely available.

The corresponding savings for all users worldwide (for the Rete algorithm was 1 million USD from DEC called XCON) and should now easily exceed the limit of one billion USD.