Data Structure and Algorithms (Njoroge)

Unit Introduction

The purpose of this unit is to determine your grasp of prior knowledge related to this course. The unit’s expectation is that the students have prior knowledge on basic computing and principles of programming. A recap of this course/s will prepare and enable the students to have a grasp of Data Structures and Algorithms.

Class Assignment

Students are to read on basic computers and introduction to programming which are the pre-requisite courses for this module. Students are to also attempt the following questions to test if they can recall what they know and can well prepare them for the data structure and algorithm course.

Introduction

In this learning activity section, the learner will be introduced to algorithms and how to write algorithms to solve tasks faced by learners or everyday problems. Examples of the algorithm are also provided with a specific application to everyday problems that the learner is familiar with. The learners will particularly learn what is an algorithm, the process of developing a solution for a given task, and finally examples of application of the algorithms are given.

An algorithm can be considered as a computational procedure that consists of a set of instructions, that takes some value or set of values, as input, and produces some value or set of values, as output, as illustrated in Figure 1.3.1. It can also be described as a procedure that accepts data, manipulate them following the prescribed steps, so as to eventually fill the required unknown with the desired value(s). The concept of an algorithm is best illustrated by the example of a recipe, although many algorithms are much more complex; algorithms often have steps that repeat (iterate) or require decisions (such as logic or comparison) until the task is completed. Correctly performing an algorithm will not solve a problem if the algorithm is flawed or not appropriate to the problem. A recipe is a set of instructions that show how to prepare or make something, especially a culinary dish.

Different algorithms may complete the same task with a different set of instructions in more or less time, space, or effort than others. Algorithms are essential to the way computers process information, because a computer program is essentially an algorithm that tells the computer what specific steps to perform (in what specific order) in order to carry out a specified task.

The learner was introduced to the concept of algorithms and the various ways he/she can develop a solution to a task. In particular, the learner was introduced to the definition/s of an algorithm, the three main ways of developing or expressing an algorithm which are the human language, Pseudo code and the flow chart. An example was also given to reinforce the concept of the algorithm.