Introduction to Algorithms

Algorithms scare every new developer.

But they are crucial for programming, so you won't get far without understanding them.

Here is an introduction to algorithms and a few examples you must know.

A thread: pic.twitter.com/vkaRurGdxp

— Francesco (@FrancescoCiull4) March 30, 2023

If you want to dive deep into algorithms (without getting bored), I recommend checking out this Intro to Algorithms course by @brilliantorg

They teach all the topics I discuss here with engaging & interactive lessons. More on them at the endhttps://t.co/xaHSNNArQQ pic.twitter.com/LCkhaMGI3W

— Francesco (@FrancescoCiull4) March 30, 2023

Algorithms are step-by-step procedures to solve a problem or accomplish a task.

They're like recipes, guiding computers through instructions to achieve a specific outcome.

So what is an algorithm??

— Francesco (@FrancescoCiull4) March 30, 2023

The pasta example 🍝

The usual example I make to explain what an algorithm is is the procedure of cooking pasta:

A simple one would be:
- Gather ingredients and utensils
- Boil water
- Add pasta
- Cook the pasta
- Add seasoning
- Taste test
- Put it on the plate

— Francesco (@FrancescoCiull4) March 30, 2023

Of course, this is a minimalistic example, but it's just to get the idea.

Also, depending on the seasoning, you might need some different and additional steps, but let's keep it simple for now.

— Francesco (@FrancescoCiull4) March 30, 2023

Algorithms are crucial in making software efficient and reliable.

They help optimize resource usage, reduce execution time, and minimize errors.

This is especially important as our world becomes more data-driven and interconnected.

— Francesco (@FrancescoCiull4) March 30, 2023

Google's famous PageRank algorithm.

It's named after web pages, but also because of its creator Larry Page!

It transformed web searches by ranking pages on importance, assessing website quality and relevance for precise results.

— Francesco (@FrancescoCiull4) March 30, 2023

There are many sorting algorithms, like:
- Bubble sort
- QuickSort
- MergeSort

They are commonly used to arrange data in a specific order.

They are essential in many applications like database management, machine learning, and e-commerce.

— Francesco (@FrancescoCiull4) March 30, 2023

Dijkstra is one of my favorite algorithms.

It aims to find the shortest route between two points in a graph.

It's used in:
- GPS navigation systems
- video games
- network routing

— Francesco (@FrancescoCiull4) March 30, 2023

If you are into Machine learning,

Algorithms play a key role, like:
- Linear Regression
- Decision Trees
- Neural Networks analyze data to make predictions or decisions.

As they power AI systems to recognize speech, images, and patterns.

— Francesco (@FrancescoCiull4) March 30, 2023

Speaking of neural networks, @brilliantorg has an awesome lesson where you can learn how neurons and biases work in an ANN (artificial neural network). These are the must-know fundamentals if you want to build your own. pic.twitter.com/d4YygKLqUV

— Francesco (@FrancescoCiull4) March 30, 2023

Algorithms are highly used in the blockchain world.

Examples:
- Cryptographic Hash Functions (like SHA-256):
- Consensus algorithms
- Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA)

— Francesco (@FrancescoCiull4) March 30, 2023