Characteristics of Programming Algorithms and Their Functions that You Need to Know
- Users need to know several characteristics of programming algorithms, especially those who are studying programming or computer science. Programming algorithms play an important role in a computer.
Without programming algorithms, computers cannot complete tasks or solve problems as expected. To complete computational tasks, programming algorithms have several characteristics.
So, what are the characteristics of a programming algorithm? If you are interested in learning more, please see the explanation below regarding the characteristics of programming algorithms you need to know.
In simple terms, programming algorithms can be understood as a strategic step to solve computational problems. Programming algorithms have several characteristics that differentiate them from other steps or processes.
One of the characteristics of a programming algorithm is that it is unambiguous, which means that each step in the programming algorithm must be clear and must not be ambiguous.
Then, the next characteristic of a programming algorithm is that it must have clear input and output. Apart from that, there are several other characteristics. Some characteristics of programming algorithms are as follows:
Unambiguous: The algorithm must not be ambiguous, each step must be clear in all aspects and lead to only one meaning.
Well-defined input: If an algorithm requires input, it must have well-defined input, whether or not it accepts input.
Well-defined output: The algorithm must clearly define the output to be produced and the output must also be well-defined. Must produce at least one output.
Finiteness: The algorithm must be finite, that is, it must end after a certain time, process or operation.
Feasible: The algorithm should be simple, general, and practical, so that it can be executed optimally with available resources.
Independent: Algorithms should be designed to be language independent, i.e. just simple instructions can be implemented in any language and the results will be the same as expected.
Input: An algorithm must have zero or more inputs. Each instruction containing a basic operation must accept zero or more input.
Output: An algorithm produces at least one output. Each instruction containing a basic operation must accept zero or more input.
Definiteness: All instructions in an algorithm must be unambiguous, precise, and easy to interpret. Each basic operator in an instruction must be defined without ambiguity.
Effective: An algorithm must be developed effectively using basic, simple, and practical operations, so that it can be traced easily even using just paper and pencil.
These are some of the characteristics of programming algorithms that you need to know. By knowing these characteristics, users can more easily understand what a programming algorithm is and differentiate it from other steps.
From these characteristics, programming algorithms have several functions in solving computational problems. The function of the programming algorithm may also need to be known by the user. So, what is the function of a programming algorithm?
Programming algorithm functions
The main function of programming algorithms is to help solve certain problems or tasks more easily. Some of the functions of programming algorithms are as follows:
Efficiency: Algorithms can perform tasks quickly and accurately. This makes algorithms an important tool for completing tasks that require a lot of calculations or data processing.
Consistency: The algorithm is repeatable and provides consistent results every time it is run. This is important when dealing with large amounts of data or complex processes.
Scalability: Algorithms can be scaled to handle large data sets or complex problems, making them useful for developing applications that require processing large amounts of data.
Automation: Algorithms can carry out or complete tasks automatically and repeatedly, thereby reducing the need for human intervention.
Standardization: Algorithms can be standardized and shared between developers or programmers, making it easier for them to collaborate and share knowledge.
Programming algorithms have been applied to perform tasks in various fields. If we look at the fields of work, programming algorithms have several functions as follows:
Computer Science: Algorithms form the basis of computer programming and are used to solve problems ranging from simple sorting and searching, to carrying out complex tasks such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Mathematics: Algorithms are used to solve various mathematical problems, such as finding the optimal solution to a system of linear equations or finding the shortest path in a graph.
Artificial Intelligence: Algorithms are the basis of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Algorithms are used to develop intelligent systems that can perform tasks such as image recognition, natural language processing, and decision making.
Data Science: Algorithms are used to analyze, process and extract insights from large amounts of data in areas such as marketing, finance and healthcare.
That is an explanation of several programming algorithm functions that you need to know. Meanwhile, to enrich insight, it is also important for users to know several other basic things related to programming algorithms.
For example, such as the meaning, types and how it works. So, what exactly is meant by a programming algorithm?
If you are interested in learning more, please see the complete explanation below regarding the meaning of programming algorithms, along with their types and how they work.
Understanding programming algorithms
First of all, you need to know about the meaning of programming algorithms. If defined, a programming algorithm is a set of processes, rules, or instructions that determine the sequence of operations in solving a particular problem or task.
Programming algorithms serve as the foundation for programs, services, or applications on a computer. Programming algorithms can guide computer programs on how to perform tasks efficiently and accurately.
Programs on computers developed by developers and programmers begin with design creation activities until they become an algorithm. After that, the algorithm is realized in the form of a computer program.
In simple terms, a programming algorithm can be analogous to a recipe for making food. The structured instructions and ingredients needed to make a meal constitute a programming algorithm.
Without these instructions, food or computer programs as output or solutions cannot be created properly. In the world of computing, quoted from Geeks for Geeks, programming algorithms have the characteristics as described above.
Apart from characteristics, programming algorithms also have expressions or ways of presenting them. Algorithms can be expressed in various languages or notations, such as natural language, flowcharts, and pseudocode. The explanation is as follows:
Algorithm expression
Natural language: Algorithms are designed using natural or everyday language which tends to be wordy and ambiguous. Natural language is rarely used to compose complex algorithms.
Flowchart: Algorithms are designed using flowcharts or process flow diagrams or images that are easier to understand than natural language.
Pseudocode: Algorithms expressed with informative text in the form of code. Pseudocode is the best way to express algorithms because it avoids ambiguity and can remain independent of a specific programming language.
That is an explanation of what is meant by a programming algorithm. So, what exactly are the types of programming algorithms? For more details, please see the explanation of the types of programming algorithms below.
1. Brute Force Algorithm
The Brute Force algorithm is the most basic and simple type of algorithm. The Brute Force algorithm is a direct approach to solving a problem simply without a well-structured process.
This algorithm is the first approach that comes to our mind when looking at this problem. Technically, this algorithm is similar to repeating every possibility that exists to solve the problem.
For example, there is a password that consists of 4 pins with digits between 0 and 9. With the Brute Force algorithm, problem solving will be done by entering each sequence of digits repeatedly until the combination is correct and the password is opened.
2. Recursive Algorithm
This type of algorithm is based on the recursion method. In recursion, a problem is solved by dividing it into equal subproblems. Then, the sub-problems are solved repeatedly with basic operations or conditions until they are all solved.
Some common problems that can be solved using recursive algorithms are factorial of a number, Fibonacci series, the Tower of Hanoi mathematical game, DFS for graphics, and others.
3. Randomize algorithm
In the Randomize algorithm, we use random numbers to help determine the expected results. This decision to choose random numbers can produce results quickly. Some common problems that can be solved using the Randomize algorithm are Quicksort. In Quicksort, we use random numbers to select the pivot.
4. Sorting Algorithm
Sorting algorithms are used to arrange data, either in ascending or descending order. With this algorithm, we can organize data more effectively and efficiently.
Some common problems that can be solved through Sorting algorithms are sorting data based on numerical order, alphabetical order, or other criteria.
5. Searching Algorithm
This type of algorithm is used to search for certain keys in sorted or unsorted data. Some common problems that can be solved through Search algorithms are binary search or linear search.
6. Hashing Algorithm
Hashing algorithms work in the same way as Searching algorithms. The difference is, the Hashing algorithm not only searches for data, but also matches data with paired ID keys in the index.
In Hashing algorithm, we assign keys to specific data. An example of the application of the Hashing algorithm can be seen through verifying the password required when logging into an account.
Those are several types of algorithms. Even though there are several types, programming algorithms have a fundamental way of working. So, how do programming algorithms work? For more details, here is an explanation of how the programming algorithm works.
How programming algorithms work
In general, the way programming algorithms work in carrying out tasks or solving problems can be mapped into three parts, namely input, problem solving procedures, and output.
Quoted from the book "Algorithms and Programming" by Kani in 2020, an explanation of the three parts of how programming algorithms work is as follows:
1. Analyze the problem and create an algorithm
To solve a problem, the first step is to analyze and identify a problem, identifying the data that becomes input or output.
After that, create a process that processes all incoming data into the desired output. All processes must contain clear, sequential and coherent instructions
until the problem can be resolved.
2. Expressing the algorithm in program form
Then, the concept of problem solving, in the form of a problem solving sequence
(algorithms) that have been designed can be translated into a programming language by the programmer to create a program as a solution.
3. Execute and test the program
Once created, the program must be able to be compiled into an application so that all its functions can be tested. If an error is found, the program must be repaired again so that it can complete the task or problem correctly.