Photos: Flashcard top left: Calum Lewis; licensed under Unsplash license Flashcard top center: Scott Evans; licensed under Unsplash license Flashcard top right: kr8t; licensed under Unsplash license Flashcard bottom: dtbosse; licensed under Unsplash license
Significance of algorithms
Algorithms are a step-by-step sequence of clear instructions for action that help solve a certain problem. Algorithms do not necessarily have to be written in a programming language. They can also be described in everyday language, found in instructions for experiments or recipes. Programming describes the activity of rewriting the algorithms as programs. This means using a formal programming language.
Algorithms play a key role in Computational Thinking. However, we constantly deal with algorithms in everyday life, as can be seen in the following examples:
Baking a cake
To produce a cake, a person performs the instructions step-by-step. In addition, control structures of programming language are used:
Example 1: If the oven is a convection oven, then bake at 180 °C for 30 minutes; otherwise, bake at 200 °C for 40 minutes.
Example 2: While the cake is baking, you can already begin making the frosting. Just like with a computer, multiple processes are performed in parallel.
Doing laundry
Algorithms control when the motor starts, when the water is added, and how many revolutions a washing machine should make during the wash cycle.
Driving a car
In navigation systems, complex algorithms ensure that we find the shortest and/or fastest route to our destination.
Shopping online
Companies use algorithms to analyze large volumes of data that we leave behind on the web (big data). As a result, they are able to create personalized online advertising that precisely matches the needs of the respective person and that may possibly influence future purchasing decisions.
For people to be able to confidently navigate the digitalized world, a basic understanding of algorithms and how they work is very important. You will find additional detailed information and teaching materials related to algorithms and big data in two media packages on the Media Portal.