Subject: What is algorithm?
Subject: What is algorithm?
SUNY at Old Westbury
Computer and Business
Fall 05
Fy1000-016
Prof. Ebrahimi
From: Maria Quintero
What Is an Algorithm?
An algorithm is nothing more than a finite list of instructions on how to perform a task. It is analogous to a cooking recipe a chef might use for preparing a food. Specifically, an algorithm has the following properties[2]:
It must result in a finite series of actions.
The sequence of actions has a unique initial action.
Each action in the sequence has a unique successor.
The sequence terminates with either a solution, or a statement that the problem cannot be solved.
There are five basic classifications of algorithms:
Stochastic
This set of algorithms is based on probability and statistics. The input is analyzed to search for how often state `A' is followed by state `B.' Then the algorithm generates output based on the probability distribution.
Chaotic
The irregularities in nature spawned studies into the realm of chaos, the study of pattern formation. Chaotic algorithms form patterns in the output, often by repeating an instruction over and over again on different parts of the input.
Rule Based
A rule based system consists of a set of rules that are applied to an input to generate an output. A rule consists of a condition and an action. If the input (or part of it) satisfies the condition, the action is performed. The output of the algorithm is the product of all the actions that resulted.
Grammars
Linguistics attempts to identify the parts of a language and how they function as a whole. For example, in the English language, the relationships between placement of nouns, verbs, and adjectives. In music, grammars can be used to specify where different pitches or durations can be in relation to each other.
Artificial Intelligence
AI systems resemble Rule-based systems in that they both are based on a set of guidelines that an output must adhere to. However, in rule-based systems, the program may ``backtrack'' and restart at an earlier point in the process. In comparison, AI algorithms ``learn'' in that if they make a mistake, they don't retrace their steps, they simply keep going and remember not to do that again.
Bibliography
1) http://www.tjhsst.edu/~pkirlin/techlab/paper/node2.html
2) Book title C++ Programming Easy Ways Author Alireza Ebrahimi, Ph.D.
