Introduction to Algorithms

An algorithm, as the name suggests, is essentially a method for performing computations. In contrast to computer programs that can be executed on machines, algorithms are expressed in a mathematical or abstract manner that emphasizes the underlying idea rather than specific implementation details. It’s important to note that a single algorithm can be implemented in various ways, and different programs may employ the same algorithm to solve similar problems.

In this article, we explore some foundational algorithms. When a computational task is widely encountered across different problems, any algorithm designed to address that task becomes highly significant and commonly reused in many other contexts. Generally, the more universal an algorithm is, the more elegant and concise it tends to be, highlighting the core idea rather than complex code details. The algorithms we discuss here are chosen for their clarity and inherent interest, and they serve as a stepping stone to more advanced topics later on.