Monday 9 March 2015

How Algorithms Changed The World

How Algorithms Changed The World

This infographic sets out to show the impact programming has had. It is indisputable that software has touched most things in the modern world, but you might still be surprised by the selection of algorithms in this chart.
This infographic, prepared by College Degree Search, is clearly designed to generate some enthusiasm among students for studying the most important subject of all - programming. However, it does raise some interesting questions about what exactly and algorithm is.
The definition it provides is
An algorithm is a set of instructions for solving a problem or performing a task.
and while this is true doesn't this apply at a mathematical formula as well? Isn't the traditional well known formula for the roots of a quadratic equation an algorithm by this definition?
Yes of course it is!
The point is that programming is mathematics without the abbreviated symbols - but don't tell the students this because it might just put them off.

Take a look at the infographic - be warned it is big and deserves to be printed out and put on a wall somewhere - and see what you think about the choice of algorithms.
 

Ref: http://www.i-programmer.info/news/181-algorithms/5387-how-algorithms-changed-the-world.html