Algorithms form the core of any computer program or software. They offer the computers the series of instructions the same need to tackle every task that comes their way. In summary, an algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or a set of rules that a computer is to follow to tackle a given task.
Algorithms are important because they instruct computers on how they should behave, and all applications require them for proper functioning. Therefore, the importance of algorithms is tied to the importance of computers, and computers permeate all aspects of modern life.
As already hinted, these algorithms are important to the life and proper functioning of computer software. That is why it is, by all means, important to learn about them. In the discussions that follow, we shall examine some of the significant contributions that algorithms generally play.
WHY ALGORITHMS ARE IMPORTANT
There are potentially many benefits of algorithms. Below now are some of the leading benefits that algorithms potentially bring to any computer user or process:
#1: Utilize resources properly
Modern computer software contains many resources. Examples of these are databases, memory, library, and cache. There is therefore the need to harmonize the operations of the software to see to it that the computer program operates seamlessly. The algorithms come in handy at such times.
It spells out the way in which the computer juggles its way in these resources. This includes the manner in which the constituent resources are to be handled and the way in which the various resources are to be prioritized to achieve a given end. That also goes a long way in minimizing the risk of confusion.
#2: Regulates power consumption
All computer programs require some power to operate. Some computer programs or applications require more power than others. It is the role of the computer algorithm to regulate the amount of power that the programs may need or have to expend per unit of time.
This, it does, by spelling out the way in which the power flow is to be regulated and the areas that are to be allocated more priority than the others. In the absence of such a clear definition, the chances of extreme power loss arising are rife. That of course leads to more wastage and higher utility bills.
#3: Improves the efficacy of computer programs
Many programs have more than one way to solve them. There is therefore the need to find the most efficient manner. That also ought to be done while taking into consideration the available resources, power needs, and the time available for tackling the issue. The algorithm comes in handy here.
It identifies the most effective way of solving the problem while also ranking the other alternatives in the most to the least efficient order. Then again, most algorithms are accurate and hence negate the possibilities of ambiguous responses arising in the course of handling a particular problem.
#4: Bolster the speed of operations
Algorithms are so designed to boost the speed of operations considerably. They do this to ensure that the tasks at hand do not take too long to tackle or lead up to unnecessary delays in the course of engagements. This is particularly critical when handling many tasks in one go.
It is this trait in fact that gives the algorithms and the computers at large to tackle more than one task at a time without too much ado. In the course of improving the speed of operations, the algorithms are also optimized in such a manner as to prevent any confusion from arising.
#5: Enhance social media experience
The most significant part of social media is usually to determine what posts appear on the feed of a user and the relevant adverts that may be displayed to the user. Algorithms are used to enhance the social media experiences of users chiefly by coming up with ways through which these may be determined.
Facebook algorithm for instance studies the kinds of posts and pages that each user skim or likes. Then, it packages the ads and other posts that bear similar themes after which it displays the same to the news feed of the users. Through this arrangement, each user only accesses content that are relevant to him.
#6: Optimize searches
Just as is the case with social media, search engines also have the challenge of determining the relevant search outcomes or suggestions that a given user may confront. Yet again, the algorithms come in handy here. They optimize searches in the sense of determining the most relevant one for each user.
This is done through a complicated set of procedures. For instance, the search engine may study the past searches of each user and store the same. Then, each time a user keys in a search term or pays a visit to the search engine from the same IP address, it returns searches that are relevant to the keywords used previously.
#7: Make predictions
Each time you search a video via YouTube or Google, you have seen a drop-down list of relevant terms, have you not? Have you ever wondered where these terms come from and how the software comes up with them? Worry not! It is the algorithms that do all these.
Algorithms are generally capable of predicting the kinds of terms, pages, and resources that users are naturally bound to access each time they visit a page or be in the need to search a given resource. This is generally done through a complex combination of historical data and past preferences.
#8: Solves complex problems
There is a new field of computing called Artificial intelligence. It basically aims at making computers act like humans by being able to predict the future and solve complicated problems. All these are not really possible under normal circumstances and with the normal computing power.
Indeed, only special algorithms may be used in the process. They program the computer in such manners and ways as to enable them to ‘learn’ new concepts and singlehandedly think of ways of solving problems without necessarily receiving any further inputs from the human agents who use them.
#9: Aids decision making
Apparently, algorithms are not great for computers alone. Even you as a user of the computer stand to gain from them. They may be used to expedite the decision-making process. To do this, you may draft an algorithm that aids you in coming up with certain key options which you may pick from.
For instance, if you want to pick a suitable candidate from a draw, you may let the computer algorithm search and return the outcomes of the key people whose character traits fit the descriptions you are angling. Then, you use your discretion to eventually pick the ones you feel really fit the bill.
#10: Enables the comprehension of complicated problems
We all know that computers are able to simplify complex chores considerably, don’t we? Well, they do not do this by some kind of magic. Indeed, computers ultimately rely on algorithms to do so. They basically break down complicated problems in forms that are simpler to digest.
Upon doing that, they leave it now to the user to determine the final outcome on his own. Even though the algorithms in and of themselves may not make the ultimate decision for you, the fact that they simplify the problems in themselves plays a great role in the kind of experience you are likely to face.
#11: Expedite the regurgitation of stored information
It is one thing to store information in a computer but yet another thing altogether to regurgitate it. Luckily, the algorithms go beyond merely helping you to make meaning of the stored data. It may also help in regurgitating the information that is stored in the computer memory as well.
Through this arrangement, the algorithms cut down the time you would otherwise waste when attempting to retrieve the information. Also, it upholds the integrity of the information to prevent it from getting compromised through the process of handling and storage. That of course ensures the proper handling and engagement of the information altogether.
#12: Eliminate redundancies
In the absence of algorithms, computer users are generally required to employ the manual means of retrieving and interpreting data. This is not only long and tedious but also does it lead to unnecessary confusion and redundancies. The algorithm comes in handy to prevent dual issues from arising.
It spells out the formula or the series of steps to be followed to handle a given task. Given that these tasks are stored and made permanent parts and parcels of the computer operations, they also eliminate redundancies. Put differently, they prevent the possibility of repeating the operations or commands every now and then.
#13: Helps in investigations and follow-ups
We started by saying that an algorithm spells out the step-by-step procedures that may be followed to tackle a given task. This approach also helps with investigations and follow-ups at a later date. The steps are clear, precise, and easier to follow.
In case of confusion arises in the process, it is always a lot easier to follow up and remedy the problems somehow. One can just do that by following the trail of the explanations to know where exactly the problem may have arisen or the issues have gone wrong. Of course, this results in a greater degree of satisfaction from the parties involved.
#14: Manages standardization
Standardization refers to the situation in which closely related applications and processes are handled in a particular manner. In this case, all the steps are clearly written down and the specific courses of action clearly spelled out. The use of algorithms enables the attainment of this end well.
Only one party may be charged with the responsibility of coming up with the standard. The other plays in the dispute will simply copy and paste or slightly modify the standards to suit their unique needs at that time. This end is hardly achievable using the manual approach.
#15: Make recommendations
Have you ever wanted to purchase an item via an online auction site and wondered just where to start? What about watching a YouTube video or seeking to connect with friends via Facebook? In all these circumstances, you will note that the pieces of software or sites do offer recommendations to you.
But how does this happen? Well, it is the algorithms that do it. The algorithms tap into the stored data, historical records, and your past online behavior to identify those resources that may be relevant to your case. It thereafter displays the same to your news feed for you to take appropriate actions.
#16: Analytics
Just if you are a shrewd business person, online vendor, or someone who engages others via the online platform, you will have noted that you must track and know more about the behaviors of those with whom you interact. This is technically referred to as analytics.
The algorithms are also able to track, mine, and display this information to you. They rely on the IP address, the URLs, and the past data of the persons you interact with to generate this data. Through this process, you get to stay abreast of the information about the people you do business with.
#17: Processes data effectively
The core of any computer application is the processing of the data. In this sense, the computer basically taps into the stored data, manipulates, and then regurgitates the outcomes as need be. The algorithms come in here as well. They contain a series of formulae and instructions to be followed to arrive at the desired ends.
Given that the algorithms can also speed up the entire process, they cut down the waiting times and the strains you naturally have to go through to accrue the necessary end results. That of course is desirable for anyone who chooses to have them tackle their businesses.
#18: Develops patterns and trends
To solve similar problems faster with time, there is the need to develop and make use of patterns. These patterns are generally easier to reuse. They hence cut down the time you would naturally take to solve a given problem well. Algorithms are generally capable of developing and reusing patterns.
They do this through a combination of strategies and resources. These could be historical data, past online behaviors, and other relevant activities. On the whole, patterns cut down the time taken to solve a problem, minimize confusion, and generally bring about more uniform outcomes. Count on them for tackling mass problems.
#19: Enhance the collaboration among different players
Tackling a typical problem is not something that can be done singlehandedly by one resource or item. There needs to be some collaboration among many players. The algorithms by their nature and design are capable also to create and deepen these collaborations.
They have ways and means of establishing connections and bridges among the various players. Then, they also coordinate the activities of each party in such a way as to allow the smooth flow of information between and among the various parties involved. It is through this arrangement that many technical issues may be sorted out well.
#20: Useful for consistent operations
Certain operations require a fairly high degree of consistency. Operations of those kinds demand that you implement more or less similar steps and procedures repeatedly to tackle a given chore. The same may also apply in a mass-production setting where you need to produce many goods of similar kinds.
Algorithms, as explained above, are able to forge patterns and trends. In the course of doing this, they enable you to replicate the selfsame steps repeatedly over a given duration of time. The beauty of this is that you need not memorize the steps or have to feed the systems every now and then.
#21: Applicable in automating processes and systems
Automated systems also rely heavily on algorithms. The algorithms, due to their ability to craft patterns, may also serve to automate systems and processes thus. Automation basically frees you from the need to key in the commands and prompts each time you want the system to tackle a given chore.
Instead, you only enter one set of instructions and have the systems repeat it every now and then. The beauty of this arrangement is that you do not need to expend too much of your physical effort and attention to have your way. That of course gives you sufficient time now to focus on other issues that may matter to you at that time.
CONCLUSION
From the discussions above, one thing stands out. That algorithms are very important in the life and the blood of computer operations. They are the engines, so to speak, that run the computer software programs that ultimately play the roles that are intended to be solved by them.
Kindly note that the points we have enumerated and explained above are not all that the algorithms may potentially bring along. It is in your best interest to move ahead and fill in the gaps in case you find the list above inexhaustive. So, when exactly do you plan to embark on learning more about the algorithms?