Algorithms

Description

How software gets computers to do the things they do

Description

"This book is an introduction to algorithms targeting an audience with little to no computer science background. In this book, algorithms from a wide area are presented: from music to searching and sorting, to deep learning, to graphs. The author shows how algorithms are used in practice. A unique feature of the book is that it focuses on showing how algorithms really work; not just what algorithms can do. There are many books discussing that and delving in technological applications and their implications. The book aims to show not just what algorithms can do, but how they do it. Louridas covers a wide range of algorithms. He does not shy away from classic algorithms such as searching and sorting, as they are the workhorses of most applications; at the same time, he also covers a wide expanse, such as algorithms in music, non-traditional searching (like the secretary problem), graphs, and the PageRank algorithm. He introduces deep learning, showing how it works in practice, and gives an overview of the limits of computability. He finishes up the text with an eclectic discussion of implications. Most books on algorithms are either too technical, or not technical at all - showing what the algorithms do, without showing how. This book aims at striking a balance between the two methods. Algorithms should be, and can be explained, in simple terms. To repeat, an algorithm should be explained so that a human can execute it with a pen and paper"--

First Sentence

We like putting labels on time periods, perhaps because affixing a tab on time allows us to get a grip on its fluidity.

Subjects

Series Statement

• The MIT Press Essential Knowledge Series