The algorithm continues to exist in many topics we use in our daily lives. But people are not very aware of this. Algorithm is the way to reach a goal literally or to solve a particular problem. The process of solving the problems step by step is called an algorithm, and people use this method many times in their daily lives. However, no one can realize the algorithm in action or subject, as the work done becomes too ordinary.
What does the algorithm do?
The algorithm helps us in many areas of our daily life. Because the main reason for the existence of the algorithm is problem solving. It enables people to solve the problems faced by the computer in the programming area as they do. The algorithm basically consists of three parts. These; the introductory section is the section where transactions are looped and the result is obtained, and the section where the resulting result is taken. Flow charts are used to write algorithms more clearly.
If we try to explain the algorithm by giving an example from daily life, everyone needs to follow the steps below to make a cake,
Beat the sugar and egg in a deep bowl, add milk, vanilla, oil, flour and baking powder, pour your mixture into the cake mold, put the mold in the oven, the cake is ready in 20 minutes.
The cake preparation steps above are actually an algorithm that everyone uses. Algorithm is operations that save people from complexity when performing an action or fixing a problem.
Why is an Algorithm Necessary?
Developing algorithms provides us with many conveniences not only in mathematics and programming, but also in our daily lives. Many people use algorithms in their business or personal life. Using an algorithm to establish a certain order in our life is almost a necessity. Imagine your student years; assignments, quizzes, social life, family life ... If you put all of this in order, you will consume less power. Questions about what the algorithm is are being asked too much not only in our country but also in the world. The reason for this is that the algorithm has an anti-chaos and facilitating effect. Everyone wants their life to be less tiring, and that's exactly where algorithms come in.
Examples of Algorithms from Daily Life
We use algorithms in many areas in our daily life. There are many examples of algorithms that we can use when cooking, solving a math problem, and doing our routine work preparation in the morning. As we mentioned above, we can define the algorithm as performing our works in a gradual and planned manner.
Below is an algorithm on how to fix a damaged lamp. If you apply this algorithm step by step, you will be able to solve your problem in a shorter time.
1. Is the lamp plugged in?
If no , plug in, if yes check for bulb break out,
2. Is the bulb broken?
If yes, replace the bulb, if no, check if the lamp is working,
3. Does the lamp work?
If no , buy new table lamp, If yes, the problem is solved.
Like the algorithm above, we actually live in our daily lives with dozens of algorithms. Even the simplest daily activities have a certain order in themselves. If you stick to this order, you can get things done much easier and in less time.
What is the Link Between Algorithm and Programming?
As we said at the beginning of the article, the algorithm does not only occur in activities in our daily life. With the algorithm, programming examples can appear anywhere. Programs are overwritten by certain algorithms. The results of the works where these two concepts are used together are generally very useful. For example, there is an algorithm behind programs such as WhatsApp and Instagram that are used by everyone who has a smartphone during the day. In fact, algorithm programming is about computers' ability to think just like humans and offers these features to people.
Programming is done to solve a problem. Therefore, the main goal in programming is to write the code step by step, considering the code well. When writing code, we need to think from every angle to make sure that the path to the path and the obtained result are correct, as if solving a very unknown equation question. In fact, this is also an algorithm. It is to look for ways to answer a complex question we have. Therefore, we can say that the introduction to programming with algorithm is a whole.
How to Develop an Algorithm?
Writing or developing an algorithm is not that easy. There are a few points to consider for those who want to perform these operations:
First of all, the algorithm to be written must be in a clear and understandable language. All possibilities must be taken into account when developing the algorithm. It should be ensured that the algorithm does not enter endless loops. Steps should not be changed too much if the algorithm is to be edited. Otherwise, the margin of error increases and may cause the algorithm not to work.
The main purpose in developing the algorithm is to eliminate the errors encountered in the first writing phase. For this reason, developing an algorithm is as difficult as writing an algorithm. Developing an algorithm is a necessity in many respects in some cases. For example, let's go through Instagram. Instagram is updated periodically. Although these updates may seem like one-click innovations for us, it is actually the application algorithm developed and presented to us by software developers.
What is Algorithm and Flow Diagram?
These two concepts are often referred to each other. As we said above, flow charts provide a better and easier understanding of the algorithm. Flow charts consist of shapes, and each shape has a meaning.
To give diagram examples from daily life, below is the flow diagram of the program that prints the average of the good number typed on the keyboard.
Start X Read Y Read Top. = X + Y Avg. = Top / 2 Summer Avg. Stop
What are the resources that can be used about the algorithm?
There are many books about the algorithm. You can take advantage of the algorithm books below.
Annotated Algorithm: This book is at the beginner level for the algorithm. It contains examples of flow diagram with simple algorithm.
Introduction to Algorithm Development and Programming: This book is generally used in introduction to algorithm and programming courses. This book, which is very useful for algorithm lessons, contains many examples that will make it easier for you to understand the subject.
Data Structures and Algorithms: This more advanced book is used by people who write programs and want to solve math and engineering problems on the computer.
As a result, we can not only include mathematics and programming in the answer to the question about what the algorithm is. Although algorithms and programming are intertwined, we use algorithms in almost every area of our lives. Therefore, developing algorithms will always have a need for humanity.