In the field of computing, an algorithm is a set of instructions applied to solve a particular problem. Since algorithm design techniques are growing at a fast pace, it has become important for IT professionals to upgrade their knowledge in order to meet growing industry demand. Wilfrid Laurier University’s online Master of Computer Science program is designed to equip IT professionals with advanced algorithm analysis and design techniques so they are able to choose this highly-compensated career option. The course enables students to gain hands-on experience in advanced techniques for designing and analyzing algorithms.They are also expected to learn how algorithm designs can be applied to a variety of contexts. In this article we examine different algorithm design techniques and their applications.
Algorithm Design Techniques in Data Structures
Data structure is a particular way of storing and organizing data so that it can be used efficiently. Arrays, trees, linked lists, stacks, graphs, etc. are all data structures and each of them allows us to perform different operations on data.
No matter which programming language you use, it is important to learn algorithm design techniques in data structures in order to be able to build scalable systems.
Selecting a proper design technique for algorithms is a complex but important task. Following are some of the main algorithm design techniques:
- Brute-force or exhaustive search
- Divide and Conquer
- Greedy Algorithms
- Dynamic Programming
- Branch and Bound Algorithm
- Randomized Algorithm
- Backtracking
A given problem can be solved in various different approaches and some approaches deliver much more efficient results than others. Algorithm analysis is a technique used to measure the effectiveness and performance of the algorithms. It helps to determine the quality of an algorithm based on several parameters such as user-friendliness, maintainability, security, space usage and usage of other resources.
Through Laurier’s online master's in computer science, you will learn advanced algorithmic design techniques and ideas for computational problems, such as searching and sorting, greedy algorithms, divide and conquer, and dynamic programming. You will also practice designing new algorithms and implementing them efficiently in real-world applications.
Applications of Algorithm Design
You may already be familiar with the different algorithms used in the world of computing such as search algorithms, sort algorithms, graph algorithms and more.
Searching and Sorting Algorithms are the most trusted and well-known trails to take as you enter the world of algorithm analysis and design in data structures. For example, “Google Search Engine Algorithm” is one of the most sophisticated algorithm designs used by Google to rank web pages in their search engine result pages based on their relevancy.
In recent years, there has been a drastic change in how we find data, and hashtag algorithm is another example of algorithm design that has been particularly popular with social media users. Although hash tagging has a complex learning curve, it would not be inaccurate to say that when it comes to searching through huge lists with millions of items, hashing is certainly far faster. A great example of a hashtag algorithm is the use of “Instagram hashtags” to connect particular content, discussions, conversations or particular brands.
The Practical Algorithm Design course offered in Laurier's program prepares students on various algorithm design techniques in data structures, including hashtag algorithm. Apart from that, there are string pattern matching, modulo arithmetic algorithms, geometrical and network flow algorithms as well that find numerous applications in the real world.
Want to learn more about applications of algorithms in real life? Read this article: how algorithms affect search engines, social networks and computer networks.
If you want to be a software engineer with a rock-solid foundation, algorithm analysis and design in data structures will pave the path for you. By enrolling in Laurier University’s practical algorithm design program, you will be able to explore step-by-step solutions to real-world problems. You will learn how to visualize complex scenarios in terms of simple data structures and algorithm design techniques, which will help you thrive as an innovator and leader in this highly desirable field of computer science.
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