What are the best strategies for staying resilient when working with complex algorithms?

2 Use pseudocode and diagrams

Another helpful strategy to work with complex algorithms is to use pseudocode and diagrams to plan, visualize, and communicate your solution. Pseudocode is a simplified version of code that uses natural language and basic syntax to describe the logic and steps of an algorithm. Diagrams are graphical representations that use shapes, symbols, and arrows to show the data flow, control flow, or structure of an algorithm. You can use pseudocode and diagrams to sketch out your ideas, test your assumptions, identify potential errors, and refine your solution before writing the actual code. For example, if you are working on a graph algorithm, you can use pseudocode to outline the main loop and conditions, and diagrams to show the nodes, edges, and weights of the graph.

3 Test and debug systematically

Once you have written the code for your algorithm, you need to test and debug it systematically to ensure its correctness, efficiency, and robustness. Testing and debugging are processes of finding and fixing errors or bugs in your code that prevent it from working as intended. You can use various tools and methods to test and debug your algorithm, such as unit tests, test cases, breakpoints, print statements, and debuggers. You can also use techniques such as tracing, stepping, and checking to follow the execution of your code, examine the values of variables and expressions, and verify the expected outcomes. For example, if you are working on a search algorithm, you can use test cases to check if it returns the correct index or value for different inputs, breakpoints to pause the execution at certain points, and print statements to display the intermediate results.

5 Manage your time and energy

The last but not least strategy to stay resilient when working with complex algorithms is to manage your time and energy. Time and energy are limited and valuable resources that you need to use wisely and effectively to achieve your goals and maintain your well-being. You can use techniques such as prioritization, scheduling, and batching to organize and allocate your time and energy according to your tasks, deadlines, and preferences. You can also use techniques such as breaks, rewards, and self-care to replenish and restore your time and energy after working on demanding or challenging tasks. For example, if you are working on a machine learning algorithm, you can prioritize the most important or urgent steps, schedule your work sessions and breaks, and batch similar or related tasks together.

6 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?