{"id":937,"date":"2017-04-19T07:27:20","date_gmt":"2017-04-19T05:27:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.sarahmestiri.com\/?p=937"},"modified":"2017-05-10T09:48:57","modified_gmt":"2017-05-10T07:48:57","slug":"is-algorithm-practice-only-for-programming-interviews","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sarahmestiri.com\/index.php\/2017\/04\/19\/is-algorithm-practice-only-for-programming-interviews\/","title":{"rendered":"Is cracking the coding interview the only benefit of learning algorithms?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Often, algorithms are considered only when someone is looking for a new job. This tight perception of algorithms use puts us away from what algorithms can allow us to achieve!<\/p>\n

Actually, algorithms are everywhere! Algorithms are involved in each aspect of computer science! Not only that but also used in a wide range of fields: recommendations, social media, medicine, psychology, transportation and the list is longer still!<\/p>\n

Anything you do, can be broken down into small steps and that, is an Algorithm. Imagine you wake up the morning to go to work and you can\u2019t remember where are your car keys, how would you find them? One approach might be to apply an algorithm, which is a step by step logical procedure. First, you look for places where you used to put it in. You try to remember the last time you used it. You check the place where you went when entering the home. Sooner or later by the flow of steps, you eventually find the car keys. An algorithm is a sequence of instructions which ensure a certain task completion. We, as human, apply algorithms in order to take actions in every aspect of our lives.<\/p>\n

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An example of\u00a0how to prepare a Smoothie. It needs an input which is Fluid Frozen fruit Flavorings, and a sequence of ordered steps to be executed to deliver a Smoothie as an output. These are algorithm components. (original resource of the picture<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So, algorithm knowledge can be an asset in improving your life or even others\u2019lives! You can turn something that takes the time to decide on it into an algorithm that assists you in the decision process. You can create an algorithm in order to prioritize your tasks, instead of doing it by a simple to-do list. You can make an algorithm in order to predict the best time to visit a city. You can make algorithm in order to get suggestions on what films to watch according to your preferences and historical data. There is no limit to what you imagine and can make real by applying algorithms!<\/p>\n

Now, I think it\u2019s time to start talking about how to gain those set of skills in order to make a difference with algorithms! First, let\u2019s go for the characteristics of an algorithm.<\/p>\n

What are the characteristics of an algorithm?<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. It should be finite:<\/strong>\u00a0If your algorithm never ends trying to solve the problem it was designed to solve then it is useless<\/li>\n
  2. It should have well-defined instructions:\u00a0<\/strong>Each step of the algorithm has to be precisely defined; the instructions should be unambiguously specified for each case.<\/li>\n
  3. It should be effective:\u00a0<\/strong>The algorithm should solve the problem it was designed to solve. And it should be possible to demonstrate that the algorithm converges with just a paper and pencil.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    What are the steps to learn algorithm coding?<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Develop your programming logic. Here<\/a> some ways to improve it.<\/li>\n
    2. Pick up a programming language you are comfortable in (if you don\u2019t have any, I suggest learning python, it\u2019s easy and simple)<\/li>\n
    3. Learn Data structures: Start with the basic ones: String, Vectors, Lists, Arrays, Map.\u00a0Then Queue and Stack.\u00a0Finish with Advanced ones: trees, graphs, tries.<\/li>\n
    4. Practice coding data structures. Here is a good link<\/a><\/li>\n
    5. Learn simple algorithms<\/a> first and then move to the most common algorithms. Make sure you understand every step and don\u2019t be frustrated from being slow. Remember \u00ab\u00a0It does not matter how slowly you go as long as yo don\u2019t stop\u00a0\u00bb. You can look for videos because they make it easier to assimilate.<\/li>\n
    6. Start tackling problems (e.g in Hackerrank, there are funny and challenging algorithms). You must have a strategy of resolving problems, I\u2019d suggest following the method proposed by Gayle Laakmann McDowell<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Finally, through my own modest experience in problem-solving, here are my pieces of advice\u00a0:<\/p>\n