algorithms
Step-by-step instructions
An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or completing a task.
The term comes from mathematics and computing, where algorithms are precise sequences of instructions: The algorithm sorted the data in milliseconds.
Usage has broadened to describe the automated systems that curate online content—what social media shows you, what ads follow you around: The algorithm keeps recommending cat videos.
This sense often carries a note of suspicion or resignation about opaque systems controlling what we see.
Rules for arranging words
- debuggingError removal from programs
- compilingGathering into unified whole
- scriptingWriting executable commands
- functionPurpose or duty
iteration · recursion · subroutine · loop · variable · pseudocode · implementation · refactoring
Arranging into sequence
- searchingLooking to find
- optimizationMaximizing efficiency or performance
- complexityState of being complicated
- runtimeProgram execution duration
heuristic · recursion · polynomial · deterministic · probabilistic · greedy · brute-force · backtracking
Algorithms that improve from data
- neural networksLayered computational learning systems
- deep learningLayered neural network methods
- trainingDeveloping abilities through practice
- classificationSystematic grouping by traits
clustering · regression · decision tree · backpropagation · evolutionary · reinforcement learning · natural language processing · computer vision
Rate of motion
- performanceCarrying out a task
- scalabilityCapacity for growth
- throughputProcessing rate over time
- latencyDelay in system response
overhead · bottleneck · parallelism · benchmarking · profiling · optimization · acceleration · streamlining
Conclusion from premises
- inductionFormal admission process
- proofDemonstration of truth
- theoremDemonstrated logical conclusion
- axiomSelf-evident starting principle
proposition · inference · validity · boolean · conditional · branching · predicate · correctness
Converting data into code
- decryptionConverting ciphertext to plaintext
- cipherHidden writing system
- hashChopped mixture, cooked together
- RSAPublic-key encryption algorithm
AES · key · digital signature · blockchain · SHA · MD5 · cryptanalysis · secure
Balanced gains and losses
- payoffCulminating benefit received
- strategyPlanned approach to goals
- minimaxWorst-case loss reduction
- optimalMost desirable outcome
utility · decision tree · Monte Carlo · adversarial · competitive · cooperative
syntax
Rules for arranging words
- debuggingError removal from programs
- compilingGathering into unified whole
- scriptingWriting executable commands
function · iteration · recursion · subroutine · loop · variable · pseudocode · implementation · refactoring · git
sorting
Arranging into sequence
- searchingLooking to find
- optimizationMaximizing efficiency or performance
- complexityState of being complicated
runtime · heuristic · recursion · polynomial · deterministic · probabilistic · greedy · brute-force · backtracking · traversal
machine learning
Algorithms that improve from data
- neural networksLayered computational learning systems
- deep learningLayered neural network methods
- trainingDeveloping abilities through practice
classification · clustering · regression · decision tree · backpropagation · evolutionary · reinforcement learning · natural language processing · computer vision · pattern recognition
speed
Rate of motion
- performanceCarrying out a task
- scalabilityCapacity for growth
- throughputProcessing rate over time
latency · overhead · bottleneck · parallelism · benchmarking · profiling · optimization · acceleration · streamlining · resource allocation
deduction
Conclusion from premises
axiom · proposition · inference · validity · boolean · conditional · branching · predicate · correctness · termination
encryption
Converting data into code
- decryptionConverting ciphertext to plaintext
- cipherHidden writing system
- hashChopped mixture, cooked together
RSA · AES · key · digital signature · blockchain · SHA · MD5 · cryptanalysis · secure · authentication
zero-sum
Balanced gains and losses
optimal · utility · decision tree · Monte Carlo · adversarial · competitive · cooperative
- digital culturesocial media, memes, hashtags, viral content, influencers
- processingprocessing, batch processing, data processing, parallel processing, real-time processing
- Computing HistoryENIAC, UNIVAC, mainframe, mainframes, punch card
- applied mathlinear programming, differential equations, statistical methods, probability, statistics
- Simulationscomputer simulation, virtual reality, flight simulator, VR, fluid dynamics
- discrete mathcombinatorics, graph theory, set theory, number theory, proofs
algorithmsintuition
Instinctive immediate understanding
gut feeling · instinct · hunches · gut instinct · heuristics
algorithmsrandomness
Lack of predictable pattern
chaos · chance · entropy · disorder · unpredictability
algorithmsemotional intelligence
Capacity for managing feelings
creativity · human touch · craftsmanship · artistry · personal touch
- search algorithmsSystematic data-finding procedures
- Dijkstra's algorithmShortest path computation method
- algorithmic tradingComputer-driven market transactions
- algorithmic biasSystematic unfairness in automated decisions
- learning algorithmSelf-improving computational process
- genetic algorithmOptimization mimicking natural selection