Introduction to Algorithm Design

1. What is an Algorithm?
An algorithm is a step-by-step set of instructions used to solve a specific problem or
complete a task. It tell
s a computer exactly what to do in a clear and simple way. An algorithm starts with some
input, follows the steps in order, and gives the correct output. Algorithms are the foundation
of all computer programs and are used in many areas like science, engineering, and
mathematics.

Example: To find the largest number in a array:

1. Start with the first number in the list and assume it is the largest.

2. Compare this number with every other number in the array, one by one.

3. If you find a number that is larger, update the largest number to this new value.

4. Once all numbers in the list are compared, the largest number is the result.

This example shows a simple algorithm that achieves a clear goal.

Key Characteristics of Algorithms:

1. Finiteness: The algorithm must have a limited number of steps and must eventually stop
after solving the problem.

2. Definiteness: Each step of the algorithm must be clearly defined and easy to understand.

3. Input: The algorithm should accept zero or more inputs to process.

4. Output: The algorithm should give at least one output as a result of its process.

5. Effectiveness: Every step of the algorithm must be simple and possible to carry out.

2. Characteristics of a Good Algorithm

A good algorithm should not only solve the problem but also do so efficiently and effectively. Below
are the qualities of a good algorithm:

1. Is Correct: A good algorithm must give the correct solution for all valid inputs without
exceptions.

2. Has Efficiency: It should use as little time and memory as possible, even for large inputs.

3. Is Simple and Understandable: It should be easy to read, write, debug, and understand for
anyone working with it.

4. Has Scalability: A good algorithm works well even as the size of the input data becomes very
large.

5. Is Modular: It should be divided into smaller, reusable steps or parts. This makes it easier to
test and fix if something goes wrong.
For example, consider an algorithm to calculate the factorial of a number. A good algorithm will not
only compute the factorial correctly but also ensure it uses minimal resources and handles larger
numbers efficiently.

3. Efficiency of Algorithms

 Efficiency refers to how well an algorithm uses resources like time (how fast it runs) and
space (how much memory it uses). Efficient algorithms are important because they save time
and resources, especially for big problems.

1. Time Complexity:

 This measures how long an algorithm takes to finish based on the size of its input.

 Time complexity is written using Big-O notation, which describes the worst-case
performance.

 Here are some common time complexities:

 O(1): Constant time, where the execution time is always the same no matter the input size
(e.g., accessing an element in an array by index).

 O(log n): Logarithmic time, where the time grows slowly as the input size increases (e.g.,
binary search).

 O(n): Linear time, where the time grows in direct proportion to the input size (e.g., finding an
element in an unsorted list).

 O(n^2): Quadratic time, where the time grows much faster as the input size increases (e.g.,
bubble sort).

2. Space Complexity:

 This measures how much memory an algorithm uses based on the input size.

 It includes:

o Fixed Part: Memory needed for constants, variables, and program instructions.

o Variable Part: Memory needed for input data and intermediate calculations.

Efficient algorithms balance time and space requirements, using both wisely for better performance.

4. Analyzing Algorithms

Algorithm analysis involves understanding how an algorithm performs in terms of efficiency and
correctness. This helps decide whether the algorithm is suitable for a specific problem.

1. Correctness: The algorithm should always give the correct output for all valid inputs.

2. Performance Analysis: This measures the time and space complexity of the algorithm to see
how efficient it is.

3. Worst-Case Analysis: Looks at how the algorithm performs in the most challenging
situations, like when input size is very large.
 4. Best-Case Analysis: Checks the performance when input size or complexity is minimal,
resulting in the fastest execution.

5. Average-Case Analysis: Considers how the algorithm performs for most typical inputs, giving
a balanced view.

By analyzing algorithms, developers can choose the best solution for a given problem, ensuring
optimal performance.

5. Steps to Design an Algorithm

1. Understand the Problem: Understand the Problem: Clearly define the input, output, and
rules of the problem to make sure you fully understand it.

2. Plan the Approach: Choose the right design technique based on the problem’s nature.

3. Write the Steps: Break the solution into simple, clear steps that anyone can follow.

4. Analyze the Algorithm: Check how efficient it is by evaluating its time and space complexity.

5. Test the Algorithm: Try the algorithm with different inputs, including tricky cases, to make
sure it works correctly.

6. Example Algorithm: “Finding the Maximum Number in a Array”

Problem: Find the largest number in a Array of integers.

Algorithm:

1. Start by assuming the first number in the list is the largest.

2. Compare this number with every other number in the list.

3. If you find a larger number, update the largest number.

4. Repeat the process until all numbers are checked.

5. Return the largest number as the result.

Pseudo Code:

Algorithm FindMax(arr[]):

max = arr[0] // Assume the first number is the largest

for i = 1 to length(arr)-1 :

if arr[i] > max then:

max = arr[i]

return max

Time Complexity: O(n), where n is the number of elements in the Array.

A record is a way to organize and store related pieces of information together. It groups data into a
single unit, where each piece of data is called a field. Each field in a record stores one specific type of
information, and records are often used to represent real-world objects like a student, employee, or
product.

Example of a Record:

Imagine you want to store information about a student. Instead of using separate variables for each
detail (like name, age, and marks), you can group them into a single record.

A student record may look like this:

 Name: John Doe

 Age: 18

 Marks: 85

Here, Name, Age, and Marks are fields within the student record.