book

Algorithms For Dummies, 2nd Edition

by John Paul Mueller, Luca Massaron

May 2022

Beginner to intermediate

448 pages

11h 39m

English

For Dummies

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Copyright
About This BookFoolish AssumptionsIcons Used in This BookBeyond the BookWhere to Go from Here
Describing AlgorithmsUsing Computers to Solve ProblemsDistinguishing between Issues and SolutionsStructuring Data to Obtain a Solution
Starting to Solve a ProblemDividing and ConqueringLearning that Greed Can Be GoodComputing Costs and Following HeuristicsEvaluating Algorithms
Defining Google ColabWorking with NotebooksPerforming Common TasksUsing Hardware AccelerationExecuting the CodeGetting Help
Performing Calculations Using Vectors and MatrixesCreating Combinations the Right WayGetting the Desired Results Using RecursionPerforming Tasks More Quickly
Avoiding the Use of NumPyUnderstanding Why Using a Class is ImportantBuilding the Basic ClassManipulating the Matrix

Determining the Need for StructureStacking and Piling Data in OrderWorking with TreesRepresenting Relations in a Graph
Sorting Data Using Merge Sort and Quick SortUsing Search Trees and the HeapRelying on Hashing
Explaining the Importance of NetworksDefining How to Draw a GraphMeasuring Graph FunctionalityPutting a Graph in Numeric Format
Traversing a Graph EfficientlySorting the Graph ElementsReducing to a Minimum Spanning TreeFinding the Shortest Route
Envisioning Social Networks as GraphsNavigating a Graph
Finding the World in a Search EngineExplaining the PageRank AlgorithmImplementing PageRankGoing Beyond the PageRank Paradigm
Transforming Power into DataStreaming Flows of DataSketching an Answer from Stream Data
Managing Immense Amounts of DataWorking Out Algorithms for MapReduce
Making Data SmallerHiding Your Secrets with Cryptography
Deciding When It Is Better to Be GreedyFinding Out How Greedy Can Be Useful
Explaining Dynamic ProgrammingDiscovering the Best Dynamic Recipes
Defining How Randomization WorksPutting Randomness into your Logic
Understanding Local SearchPresenting local search tricksSolving Satisfiability of Boolean Circuits
Using Linear Functions as a ToolUsing Linear Programming in Practice
Differentiating HeuristicsRouting Robots Using HeuristicsExplaining Path Finding Algorithms
Using Sort RoutinesLooking for Things with Search RoutinesShaking Things Up with Random NumbersPerforming Data CompressionKeeping Data SecretChanging the Data DomainAnalyzing LinksSpotting Data PatternsDealing with Automation and Automatic ResponsesCreating Unique Identifiers
Solving Problems QuicklySolving 3SUM Problems More EfficientlyMaking Matrix Multiplication FasterDetermining Whether an Application Will EndCreating and Using One-Way FunctionsMultiplying Really Large NumbersDividing a Resource EquallyReducing Edit Distance Calculation TimePlaying the Parity GameUnderstanding Spatial Issues

Overview

Your secret weapon to understanding—and using!—one of the most powerful influences in the world today

From your Facebook News Feed to your most recent insurance premiums—even making toast!—algorithms play a role in virtually everything that happens in modern society and in your personal life. And while they can seem complicated from a distance, the reality is that, with a little help, anyone can understand—and even use—these powerful problem-solving tools!

In Algorithms For Dummies, you'll discover the basics of algorithms, including what they are, how they work, where you can find them (spoiler alert: everywhere!), who invented the most important ones in use today (a Greek philosopher is involved), and how to create them yourself.

You'll also find:

Dozens of graphs and charts that help you understand the inner workings of algorithms
Links to an online repository called GitHub for constant access to updated code
Step-by-step instructions on how to use Google Colaboratory, a zero-setup coding environment that runs right from your browser

Whether you're a curious internet user wondering how Google seems to always know the right answer to your question or a beginning computer science student looking for a head start on your next class, Algorithms For Dummies is the can't-miss resource you've been waiting for.