5 Algorithms Every Developer Should Know

An algorithm is a collection of instructions for solving problems. The fundamental logic behind designing algorithms is to minimize the amount of effort required by humans. Creating algorithms can be fun and exciting if you are up for the challenge. Algorithms are ubiquitous and essential for anyone involved in programming, since they help developers to address a wide range of software issues. Being a developer motivates you to experiment with new tools and incorporate them into applications.

1 — Hashing

Hash lookup is one of the most popular methods used for locating relevant data by ID or key. This is one of the important tasks undertaken by developers. Data can be accessed by developers via its index. In the past, the Sorting+Binary Search was used to find indexes, but now hashing is more widely accepted.

Developers can use keys to perform various tasks including value lookups. Additionally, choosing the proper hash function is dependent on the scenario.

Examples of such scenarios include:

• Check if certain data already exists in a list.
• Storing IP addresses in routers.

2 — Sorting algorithm

These algorithms arrange data in order. This is extremely useful considering how much data is online. Subsets include:

Quicksort: This “divide and conquer” algorithm sorts information by creating smaller and smaller sub-lists.

Merge sort: Another divide and conquer algorithm. This time it splits data lists in two until they are tiny enough to sort easily. It then merges the lists again.

Bubble sort: This scans lists and repeatedly swaps adjacent elements that are out of order.

Heapsort: This comparison-based algorithm uses a binary structure to create a sorted and far bigger unsorted area.

3 — Dynamic Programming (DP)

This is a method for solving complex problems by breaking them down into simpler subtasks. The process is quite simple. Developers solve smaller problems, remember the results, and use them to quickly solve complex problems. The Duckworth-Lewis technique used in cricket is an example of how this algorithm can be used.

4 — Recursive algorithm

This is based on the idea that an issue can be resolved using solutions to smaller versions of this issue. It makes a version of the problem with smaller input values and uses this simpler model to solve the problem.

5 — Searching algorithm

These algorithms find specific elements in the data sets. They include:

Depth-First Search (DFS): Searches all the nodes of a tree or graph data structure.

Binary Search: Repeatedly divides search areas into two.

Breadth-First Search (BFS): begins at the root and explores neighbouring nodes.

Algorithms teach developers how to approach problems as they do their jobs. Depending on your programming skills and experience, developers opt to work with either a few tested algorithms or a much wider array. However, a good foundation for such knowledge comes from familiarity with the basic forms listed above.

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