Many of you might have heard the name of the algorithm. Let’s say you stand at a shop where there are only shoes and you think about how good the shoes are, then you go to that shop and ask about their price also but for some reason, you did not like it or the price did not seem good, it could be any reason.
Then you come home and search for the same shoes on your mobile and see what their price and quality are, and compare them. After doing all this, you keep the phone aside, and then after some time or the next day, you see similar ads. These ads start appearing on your phone, whether you are using social media or using YouTube; in fact, if you are on any e-commerce site or any educational site, you are shown similar ads there too.
So overall, this whole game is the work of algorithms. If you search for something on your phone, then you are shown ads or videos, posts related to that.
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How technical it sounds to hear the algorithm, but it is a part of our daily routine, whether you want to shortlist a list or you have to search for contacts on the phone.
In this blog, I will explain to you in very simple language what an algorithm is, how it works, and what is its importance in programming. No heavy theory, just real-life examples, easy explanations, and step-by-step guides – so that it becomes clear to you that this ghost named “algorithm” is not as complex as it appears.
What is an Algorithm? (Simple Definition)
First of all let us try to understand the basics of what an algorithm is; an algorithm is basically a set of step-by-step instructions that are created to solve any problem.
It is just like you have to go through the process of making something. If you are making a vegetable, then a process is followed for making it. First, the vegetable is cut, then that vegetable is washed with water, then it is put in a pan, then it is cooked for a while, then spices are added, and water is added at the end. So, if it is cooked properly, then this is the process of making vegetables.
Just like that, an algorithm follows a process to perform any task.
Similarly, something similar happens in the computer world as well; you can use your mobile apps or social media that I use, like YouTube, Instagram, or Google Maps; there are several algorithms working behind them. For every small activity, a logic or rule set is made, which is called an algorithm.
Its job is to break the problem and define each step logically – so that the computer can work without getting confused. The computer does not think on its own; everything has to be explained to it – and this way of explaining is an algorithm.
Real-Life Examples of Algorithms
Let us understand this with a real-life example, like you are making tea, then first you heat the water, secondly you add tea leaves, thirdly you add milk and sugar, and finally, how to serve the tea. This is a complete process, and this process itself is an algorithm.
An algorithm does not mean only technical or computer or coding; it is everywhere. Whenever you do any work without skipping any step, without any logic, that process also follows an algorithm.
We try to explain with some simple and interesting examples.
Like we just saw about desire, we followed its process.
Finding a name in phone contacts
Just like when you are searching for any contact in your phone, you also follow an algorithm there, like you press your A key later and all the names starting with A start appearing on your screen, absolutely systematically. This is called a search algorithm because it refines the result and shows it to you.
Books Arranging alphabetically
Just like when you have to arrange books alphabetically, you keep books in the book library in the order from A to Z, and there you also follow a process as to which book will come first and which one later. This is also an example of a type of shorting algorithm, and the same logic is used in computer programming also.
These examples show you that an algorithm is not rocket science – it is just a game of common sense and logic. You are using algorithms consciously or unconsciously every day.
How Algorithms Work in Computers
Till now we have discussed what an algorithm is, and we have understood it through a real-life example. Now, let us talk about how all this works inside a computer.
If we talk about a computer, the computer does not think on its own. It has to be told a group of instructions for every task. And the ordered set of those instructions is an algorithm.
Imagine you opened a calculator app and typed 5 + 3. Now what will the computer do? He will follow an algorithm that performs these steps:
Read the first input (5 and 3)
- Understand the operation (addition)
- Add the two numbers
- Display the answer (8)
Simple, right? But all this happens so fast and efficiently that you hardly even realize it.
Another example: Login system
Think if you log in to a website or app and you are asked to enter your username and password, there too an algorithm that works.
- You enter your username and password
- The algorithm checks: Is this username in the database?
- If yes, then it verifies the password
- If both are correct, a “Welcome” message is displayed
- If something goes wrong, an error message is displayed
- This is an example of a decision-making algorithm that has “if-else” conditions.
Looped Algorithms
Sometimes what happens is that the computer has to do a task repeatedly – check 100 items from a list. Then the algorithm uses a loop like:
“Repeat until all the items are checked.”
This saves time and also makes the process efficient.
In short, every work of the computer is done by an algorithm – be it your Google search, a product suggestion on Amazon, or a recommended video on YouTube.
Types of Algorithms (Beginner-Friendly Explanation)
Types of Algorithms (Beginner-Friendly Explanation)
There is a fixed login algorithm, and there is also a rule, but what happens in is that not only one type of algorithm works for every task. That is why in the language of science, there are different types of algorithms that have to make a strategy for every task.
If you understand this a little, then it will be easy for you to understand point-wise.
1. Brute Force Algorithm (Try Everything Method)
Imagine you have forgotten your ATM PIN, and you try every possible number – from 0000 to 9999. This is the idea of a brute force algorithm.
It tries all the combinations until it gets the right answer.
Use case:
- Password cracking
- Puzzle solving
2. Search Algorithm (Finding something)
You have 500 contacts in your phone, and you are searching for “Ravi”. The algorithm checks every name systematically or searches in a sorted way.
Types:
- Linear Search: Check one by one
- Binary Search: Divide the list in half and search fast (only for sorted data)
3. Sorting Algorithm (Put in Cheezen Order)
You have a list of names: [Ravi, Aman, Zoya, Kabir]
You want these to come in A to Z order – the algorithm rearranges this list.
Popular types:
- Bubble Sort
- Merge Sort
- Quick Sort
Use case:
- Making a leaderboard
- Arranging data alphabetically or numerically
4. Greedy Algorithm (Best Option at Every Step)
This algorithm instantly selects the best choice at every step — without thinking about the future.
Like you are in a restaurant and after looking at the menu, you instantly choose the most tasty and affordable item.
Use case:
- Resource optimization
- Scheduling tasks
5. Recursive Algorithm (Repeat itself)
- This algorithm calls itself until the final result is obtained.
- Just like when you solve a problem, you break it into small parts and solve it.
Use case:
- Factorial calculation
- Tree/graph traversal
6. Dynamic Programming Algorithm (Using Past Answers)
This is a little smart – it stores the previously calculated answers and does not repeat the same calculation again and again.
Just like you solved a sum and remembered its result, when you came to the same step again, you gave the direct answer.
Use case:
- Game development
- Optimization problems
Whatever algorithms you see here, all these are solved in real-world problems. Each one has its own importance; it just depends on what type of solutions you want
Why Are Algorithms Important in Programming?
When you are writing a program, it can be small or big; what matters is that the problems that have solutions can be found very efficiently, and this is where the importance of an algorithm increases. The importance of an algorithm is important because an algorithm is a blueprint that tells how to solve the problem step-by-step. If your algorithm is correct, fast, and optimized, then your program will also be reliable and quick.
Suppose you have to process the data of 100000 users. If your algorithm seems inefficient, then the app will slow down and can even crash.
That is why programmers need algorithmic thinking – so that they can choose the best logic for every situation.
In short, an algorithm is the foundation of programming. Just like traveling without a map is difficult, programming becomes unclear without an algorithm.
How to Start Learning Algorithms (Beginner Tips)
Now the question arises that we have discussed so many things, but how do you learn an algorithm? To learn an algorithm, you must have knowledge of a basic programming language because an algorithm works on logic, and to write that logic, you need a language, which is why you first need to learn a basic language.
For this, I will break down and tell you how you can do it.
1. Start with Basic Problems:
First of all solve small problems – like checking odd-even, finding max-min, or finding the sum of array. These simple problems will give you the habit of “thinking in steps”.
2. Learn Dry Running:
Get into the habit of running each algorithm manually on pen-paper. This will help you understand what each step is doing.
3. Use Visual Tools:
Online tools like VisuAlgo or [AlgoExpert] explain with animation — concepts become crystal clear.
4. Follow a Good Roadmap:
- Linear search & binary search
- Sorting algorithms
- Recursion basics
- Two pointers & sliding window
- Stack, queue, linked list, tree etc.
5. Practice Regularly:
Start at an easy level on platforms like [LeetCode], [HackerRank], and [Codeforces]. Solving 1–2 problems daily becomes a strong habit.
6. Learn Time & Space Complexity:
As you grow, you will have to understand which algorithm is fast and which is heavy. This will be very useful for you in interviews and real-life coding.
The best way to learn an algorithm is “practice + patience”. First understand, then solve, and then learn to optimize. Solving a small problem every day is the beginning of becoming a big programmer. 💻✨
Common Myths About Algorithms
It is common to hear that algorithms are only for geniuses, but that is nothing like that. It is a practice-based skill that anyone can do, whether you are a student or a professional, or you are learning a skill, you just have to start. Don’t be afraid.
Another myth is that you should have a high level of maths to learn it, but the fact is that you can start with basic logic and problem-solving skills and can easily understand basic-level algorithms. It is not necessary to be an expert in algebra or calculus.
Not at all! Algorithms are a kind of logical puzzle. Just like you solve Sudoku or Rubik’s Cube, algorithms are also a challenge, in which you think step-by-step and find the solution. And when you get the answer, the satisfaction level becomes high!
Conclusion
So friends, till now we have understood what an algorithm is, how many types there are, and what their role is in programming. Along with that, we have also busted some common myths that scare beginners. But the real thing is that algorithms are not just a game of geniuses – if your logic is strong and you are ready to practice, then you can definitely master the algorithm.
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