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Last updated on 2024年7月3日

Do you know the difference between an algorithm and a heuristic?

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If you are interested in learning or improving your skills in algorithms, you might have heard the terms algorithm and heuristic. But do you know the difference between them? And why does it matter for your career development? In this article, we will explain what these terms mean, how they are related, and how they can help you solve problems more efficiently and creatively.

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Shekhar Tyagi

PhD Researcher at IIT Indore: Empowering Edge Computing with Machine Learning
Moritz Strube

CTO | Bio-Robotics Pioneer | AI expert | Entrepreneur
Avenash MG

At LatentView Analytics |Data Analytics| learner |Creative |Strategic | innovative| Futuristic

1 What is an algorithm?

An algorithm is a set of precise and unambiguous instructions that can be followed to achieve a specific goal or solve a specific problem. For example, if you want to sort a list of numbers in ascending order, you can use an algorithm that compares each pair of numbers and swaps them if they are out of order. An algorithm can be implemented in any programming language, and it should always produce the same output for the same input.

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Avenash MG

At LatentView Analytics |Data Analytics| learner |Creative |Strategic | innovative| Futuristic
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Algorithm: A step-by-step procedure guaranteed to solve a problem in a finite number of steps. It's like a recipe with precise instructions. Heuristic: A mental shortcut that helps find a good enough solution faster, but doesn't guarantee the optimal answer. It's like following a general kitchen tip to improve your cooking, but the outcome may vary :) Eg: Algorithm (finding the highest number): Compare two numbers. Repeat step 1 with the winner and the next number until all are compared. The remaining number is the highest. Heuristic: Choose the number that looks "bigger" based on experience. This might be faster but could miss the actual highest number.

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2 What is a heuristic?

A heuristic is a general rule of thumb or a strategy that can guide your search for a solution or an answer. Unlike an algorithm, a heuristic does not guarantee a correct or optimal result, but it can help you find a good enough or satisfactory one in a reasonable time. For example, if you want to find the shortest route between two locations, you can use a heuristic that always chooses the road that is closest to your destination. A heuristic can be based on intuition, experience, or common sense.

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Shekhar Tyagi

PhD Researcher at IIT Indore: Empowering Edge Computing with Machine Learning
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Heuristic is a general problem-solving strategy that may not always guarantee an optimal solution but can be more practical or efficient in certain situations. Heuristics are often used when the complexity of a problem makes it impractical to find an optimal solution, relying instead on educated guesses or rules of thumb to guide decision-making.

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Eduardo A. Alcantara, Data Science, ML Engineering, Project Management.

Certified PMP/PSM (Waterfall/Agile) and Certified ITIL Expert.
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Mesmo como entusiasta e contínuo autodidata da Inteligência Artificial, entendo que uma razoável tomada de decis?o baseada em heurística continuará tendo o seu lugar, dados os requisitos mínimos para estabelecermos uma razoável e confiável solu??o de machine learning, LLM, NLP etc.

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3 How are they related?

Both algorithms and heuristics are ways of solving problems, but they have different advantages and disadvantages. Algorithms are more reliable and accurate, but they can also be more complex and time-consuming. Heuristics are more flexible and efficient, but they can also be more error-prone and biased. Sometimes, you can combine algorithms and heuristics to create hybrid solutions that balance the trade-offs. For example, you can use a heuristic to narrow down the search space, and then apply an algorithm to find the best solution within that space.

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Moritz Strube

CTO | Bio-Robotics Pioneer | AI expert | Entrepreneur
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Algorithms and heuristics are interconnected in problem-solving, where algorithms offer precise, step-by-step solutions and heuristics provide quicker, often intuitive, approaches with a trade-off in accuracy. The synergy between them can be powerful; for instance, leveraging heuristics for initial problem simplification or selection, followed by algorithms for detailed resolution. This hybrid approach optimizes efficiency and accuracy, making the most of the strengths of both methodologies.

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4 How can they help you?

Knowing the difference between algorithms and heuristics can help you improve your skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. Depending on the nature and context of the problem, you can choose the most appropriate method or mix of methods to find a solution. You can also evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your own and others' solutions, and learn from the feedback and results. By practicing and experimenting with algorithms and heuristics, you can develop a deeper understanding of the underlying concepts and principles, and apply them to various domains and scenarios.

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5 What are some examples?

To illustrate how algorithms and heuristics work in practice, let's look at some examples from different fields and disciplines. In computer science, algorithms and heuristics are often used to design and optimize data structures, sorting, searching, encryption, compression, and machine learning. In mathematics, algorithms and heuristics are often used to prove theorems, calculate formulas, and solve equations. In psychology, algorithms and heuristics are often used to study and explain human behavior, cognition, and decision-making.

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6 How can you learn more?

If you want to learn more about algorithms and heuristics, there are many resources available online and offline. You can take courses, read books, watch videos, listen to podcasts, or join communities that focus on algorithms and heuristics. You can also practice and challenge yourself with puzzles, games, and projects that involve algorithms and heuristics. The more you expose yourself to different types of problems and solutions, the more you will develop your skills and confidence in algorithms and heuristics.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Do you know the difference between an algorithm and a heuristic?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 What is an algorithm?

2 What is a heuristic?

3 How are they related?

4 How can they help you?

5 What are some examples?

6 How can you learn more?

7 Here’s what else to consider

Algorithms

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Do you know the difference between an algorithm and a heuristic?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 What is an algorithm?

2 What is a heuristic?

3 How are they related?

4 How can they help you?

5 What are some examples?

6 How can you learn more?

7 Here’s what else to consider

Algorithms

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