What is an Algorithm? Examples of Application in Everyday Life

We live in an algorithm-dominated era, where the word ''algorithm'' is one of the regular parts of people's voiceover scripts when talking about their article/tv show/tech discussion. But what is an algorithm?  

In plain language, the Algorithm is actually a step-by-step procedure or formula for solving an issue. Algorithms are the heart of computer science and it is what makes good software become smart. So, what are algorithms and how do they affect me in my everyday life? 

Understanding algorithms 

To understand what an algorithm is, consider it as a recipe. Like a recipe, an algorithm is a step-by-step list of instructions. Instructions are used to perform actions like mathematical calculations, data processing or other automated reasoning and more. 

An algorithm is a set of well-defined instructions in sequence to perform specific tasks, characteristically with an end-of-step and are bounded by curly brackets. You can represent algorithms using many different ways like Flowcharts, Pseudocode or even actual programming code.  

So, the critical nondetachable parts of an algorithm are its inputs, outputs and a definite list or set of steps that moves from input to output. 

Types of algorithms 

There are many types of algorithms, where each type can be used for a particular situation. Some common types include: 

Sorting Algorithms 

These are basically used for arranging data and context, also in a clear format. QuickSort, MergeSort, Bubble Sort etc. Sorting algorithms are the most critical part in Computer Science, and we need them very often to sort data. 

Search Algorithms 

As the name suggests, these are used to find specific data in a large dataset. One of the classic examples is Binary Search, which is best suited for searching on sorted arrays. On the other hand, Linear Search scans each element one by one until it finds an item. 

Compression Algorithms 

JPEG and MP3 compression are the well-known examples. Multimedia files need to be compressed, and supporting compression algorithms is essential in lowering the bandwidth and storage requirements. 

Encryption Algorithms 

Used to protect data by converting in an inaccessible way. The most common encryption methods are RSA and AES, which provide confidentiality of sensitive data by encrypting it. A key point about encryption algorithms is that they are critical components for safeguarding communications and personal information. 

Algorithm examples in everyday life 

Algorithms are not only limited to computer science; they affect many parts of our daily lives. Some examples of common algorithms that you might work with include: 

Navigation Apps 

Using Google Maps or Waze, the app uses algorithms that calculate which is the fastest route to your location based on traffic. Optimal routing is achieved by means of these algorithms, which dynamically adjust to the ever-changing traffic conditions and road closures using estimated travel times. 

Social Media Feeds 

Facebook and Instagram use an algorithm to push the content into the feed that might interest you, or with whom your interaction is higher. These algorithms work to determine how users behave and prefer along with analysis of user engagement. Mix panel then decides what type of content to show that results in a better experience for the end-users. 

Online Shopping 

On e-commerce sites such as Amazon, the goal is to provide recommendation algorithms that recommend products you might be interested in based on history. By using collaborative filtering and content-based filtering, these algorithms return a recommendation system to help the users make choices, ultimately increasing potential sales and customer satisfaction. 

Streaming Services 

Netflix and Spotify provide suggestions of films, series or music according to your tastes through algorithms. Recommendation Engine - these algorithms analyze different kinds of data like viewing and listening habits, ratings etc. to recommend content that the user might be interested in based on past interactions. 

The role of algorithms in education 

Algorithms have a huge impact in the education field too, where they are used to personalize learning experiences. Adaptive learning platforms leverage algorithms to tune exercises, depending on the student’s progress, ensuring an optimum learning rhythm. Based on student response times and accuracy, these platforms analyze data to craft the ecosystem of learning resources that provide feedback at a specific level. 

They also bring numerous benefits, such as automated grading features and plagiarism detection, and optimize administrative tasks, reducing the workload on tutors. For example, if multiple choice tests and short answer questions are automatically graded by algorithms with responses given back to students instantly. 

ESIC University's Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science 

For those students who want to keep digging into algorithms and others related with data, this Bachelor's degree from ESIC University is a good opportunity. This program provides students with the skills to design and deliver algorithms across a range of industry areas, from business analytics through to artificial intelligence. 

At ESIC University, the Bachelor´s Degree in Data Science provides a comprehensive education that offers subjects like machine learning and big-data or predictive analytics. These projects provide students with hands-on experience in the use of state-of-the-art tools and technologies that are rapidly becoming both mainstream for data analytics work (R, Python) as well as a gold standard. 

Why choose ESIC University? 

There are multiple reasons why ESIC University is so special from every angle. 

• Comprehensive curriculum: This program consists of the main topics in data science which include machine learning, big data and predictive analytics. This field trains students to design and execute algorithms for data analysis, decision-making, and problem resolution. 

• Expert faculty: Get knowledge from pros in the field of data science. The insider experience is supported by highly qualified faculty members at ESIC university to impart practical wisdom and academic prowess that give students precious learnings and mentorship. 

• Industry connections: Leverages the university's partnership with industry powers, leading to multiple internships and job offers. ESIC University collaborates with top companies to give students a hands-on learning experience and get connected in the professional world. 

• Cutting-Edge facilities: It comes with high-quality labs and resources to help you grow. Their modern facilities and innovative technology infrastructure manage groundbreaking research, as well as empowering hands-on learning. 

Career opportunities with a Data Science Degree 

With a data science degree, the career possibilities are immense. Graduates can apply for jobs as data analysts, machine learning engineers, business intelligence analysts and more. Data science professionals are in high demand, making a career in data science rewarding and stable. 

This includes learning tools for data analysis, statistical modeling and algorithm development - preparing them to address the toughest problems in different industries with their innovative solutions. A data science pro can make sense of just about anything, from finance to healthcare, marketing and tech. 

Algorithm challenges and ethical considerations 

While they make things more efficient or convenient, there is also a certain challenge and ethical concern. The example of a water slide, holds true, that in order to ride on this happy trip you need not only health but also full safety measures which are supposed issues of Algorithm bias to be resolved and focused areas like Data privacy and Transparency towards Fairness and Ethical use thereof. 

Bias in algorithms can contribute to unjust outcomes, deepening divides between social groups. Algorithms must be designed and implemented that are fair, transparent and responsible. Moreover, protecting data privacy and ensuring ethical use of algorithms will be important in maintaining public trust as well as individual rights. 

Knowing what an algorithm is as well as being able to identify other examples of algorithms in real life can help us better understand the technology that surrounds our everyday lives. To all of you who are curious about studying this field, ESIC University has come up with an advanced education and career opportunity solution in the form of a Bachelor's Degree in Data Science. Take advantage of algorithms and venture into a journey with ESIC University.