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Aaron Nguyen
2/9/14
Algorithms
Nearly everyone in the world has used or been exposed to some form of algorithm,
whether it be a following recipes to cook your desired meal, or simply steps to how to send a text
message on your phone. According to Leiserson (2001), “an algorithm is any well-defined
computational procedure that takes some value, or set of values, as input and produces some
value, or set of values, as output” (p. 5). Over time humans have learned to develop step by step
algorithms that will change the world, where efficiency in productivity increases and new forms
of entertainment and communication.
The very foundation of computers is built around algorithms. Computers understand
machine code which consists of combinations of 1’s and 0’s that can be very intimidating for
humans to break down, as of result of the difficulties languages were developed such as java,
c++, c, and others. These languages are easier to understand and are used to write programs that
are later compiled by a program that translates the written code to machine language so that the
computer can read and execute it. While computers may not be able to directly talk face to face
like how humans talk to each other, with the advancement of the development of more complex
and more integrated algorithms, creating things such as operating systems like Microsoft
Windows, Linux, Max OS, and others. “Computers in retailing are used for inventory control and
storage optimization, pricing and promotion of the products and administration” (Broersma,
McGuckin, Timmer, 2003, p.4). These systems built by algorithms have become vital to how
companies function and operate.
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We are impacted by it every day in our lives due to the advancements in computer
algorithms of creating programs and software. Social outlets such as Facebook and twitter have
immensely changed the way people communicate and how fast communication can spread. It is
exciting what the future may hold. We already see some form of artificially intelligence in our
phones such as the IPhone’s Siri which can come up with responses to questions we may ask.
Maybe one day we’ll see it as an interacting friend like Iron Man’s Jarvis and less of a machine!
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References
Broersma, L., McGuckin, R. H., & Timmer, M. P. (2003). The impact of computers on productivity in the
trade sector: explorations with Dutch microdata. De Economist, 151(1), 53-79.
Leiserson, C. E., Rivest, R. L., & Stein, C. (2001). Introduction to algorithms. T. H. Cormen (Ed.). The MIT
press.