Introduction to algorithms Chapter 1 Functions of algorithms in computing

Chapter 1 Functions of algorithms in computing

I think the title of Chapter 1 is incorrect or inaccurate. It should be more accurate to "the role of algorithms in computers.

Chapter 1 describes the purpose and importance of algorithms. I will summarize it as follows:

1. Solve the problem.

Many problems can be solved manually with our own intuitive feelings. However, when encountering a large amount of data, it is often impossible to solve it manually. By setting a complete set of computing steps, you can use a computer to solve problems that cannot be solved by people.

2. Optimize the problem solving process to save time.

I remember that when reading the public course, Professor Charles had a good saying: efficiency is equivalent to currency, and you can use it to buy a lot of things. For example, we use a very efficient algorithm to save time to do many other things. In programming language design, it can be used for memory management, garbage collection, and optimization of the exception mechanism (Java ); in software design, you can improve user experience and add other features at the same time.

Objectively speaking, advanced algorithms are not necessary in general programming, because most programs focus on functions, and most functions do not use algorithms, so the amount of data processed will not be too large, and the efficiency is compensated by hardware. However, learning algorithms is necessary. It is important to study algorithms to expand people's thinking. In reality, the ability of people who have studied algorithms to accept new algorithms will be greatly improved, and their thinking on problem handling will be greatly expanded. These capabilities are the capital of programmers who will learn while working.