Algorithm Glossary

Browse 11 algorithm terms defined in plain English, from the cultural dictionary of computing.

11 Algorithm Terms

Data Structure
A data structure is a specialized format for organizing, storing, and accessing data efficiently in a computer program. Different data structures are optimized...
Dijkstra's Algorithm
A graph algorithm that finds the shortest path from a source node to all other nodes in a weighted graph with non-negative edge weights. Uses a priority queue...
Divide and Conquer
An algorithmic paradigm that recursively divides a problem into smaller subproblems, solves them independently, and combines the results. Unlike dynamic...
Dynamic Programming
An optimization technique that solves problems by breaking them into overlapping subproblems and storing their solutions (memoization/tabulation) to avoid...
Greedy Algorithm
An algorithmic paradigm that makes the locally optimal choice at each step, hoping to reach a globally optimal solution. Works for problems with the...
Operational Transform
An algorithm for maintaining consistency in collaborative editing by transforming concurrent operations against each other. When two users type at the same...
Rate Limiting Algorithm
Algorithms for controlling request rates: Token Bucket (tokens accumulate at fixed rate, each request costs a token — allows bursts), Leaky Bucket (requests...
Recursion
Recursion is a programming technique in which a function calls itself to solve smaller instances of the same problem. Every recursive function needs a base...
Sliding Window
An algorithmic technique that maintains a window (subarray/substring) that slides through data, expanding or contracting to find optimal solutions. Fixed-size...
Topological Sort
An ordering of a directed acyclic graph's vertices such that every edge goes from earlier to later in the ordering. Used by build systems (compile dependencies...
Two Pointers
An algorithmic technique using two indices that traverse an array from different positions or at different speeds to solve problems in O(n) time instead of...

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