- #1
verdigris
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Which algorithm is the most useful and compact that anyone has written?
What is the most useful algorithm ever written?
- Thread starter verdigris
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the question of identifying the most useful algorithm ever written, exploring various interpretations and examples of algorithms across different contexts, including programming, mathematics, and everyday applications.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
- Exploratory
Main Points Raised
- One participant suggests that the algorithm to add two numbers is a contender for the most useful algorithm.
- Another participant argues that binary negation is more useful.
- There is a mention of an algorithm to move an integer from one memory location to another as potentially useful.
- One participant proposes that usefulness is context-dependent, indicating that the answer varies based on specific situations.
- Another participant humorously references an algorithm for making a baby as universally useful.
- A participant discusses an algorithm for generating permutations of characters, noting its resource-intensive nature.
- One participant compares the question to asking for the most useful theorem in mathematics, suggesting that all are important.
- There are multiple humorous and light-hearted contributions regarding the definition and examples of algorithms.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally do not agree on a single most useful algorithm, with multiple competing views and interpretations presented throughout the discussion.
Contextual Notes
Some statements reflect personal opinions and humorous takes on the concept of algorithms, indicating a lack of formal definitions or consensus on what constitutes an algorithm in this context.
- #2
TristanJ
- 8
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Algorithm to add two numbers:
c=a+b;
Tristan
c=a+b;
Tristan
- #3
whatta
- 256
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nope it's binary negation.
- #4
TristanJ
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Hmm, what about the algorithm to move an integer number from one memory location to another:
a=b;
a=b;
- #5
verty
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Constructing data perhaps?: (cons a b)
- #6
TristanJ
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I think the point here is that there is no "most usefule algorithm ever written" since usefulness is based, by definition, on the situation at hand, so the answer to your question would vary dramatically based on the situation that you need to use the algorithm for.
Regards,
Tristan Jones
Regards,
Tristan Jones
- #7
AlephZero
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TristanJ said:
As any fule kno, the most usefule algorithm ever written was wrote by Adrian Mole, aged 13 1/2 ...
- #8
haki
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It is like saying what is the most useflul theorem in Math? Hard to say since they are all darn important.
- #9
ranger
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I did one to do permutations on any number of characters and output it to a text file. I'm talking of hours of data crunching and huge huge text files. It even used about 90% of processor power on my lower end machine. This is the best way I've found to use up space on someone's computer 
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- #10
rdx
- 50
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easy answer is ...
...The Pythagorean theorum is the most useful ever devised.
verdigris said:
...The Pythagorean theorum is the most useful ever devised.
- #11
DaveC426913
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Well, algorithm doesn't necessarily mean programming, so I'm saying the most useful algorithm ever written is:
How to Make a Baby
Virtually everyone alive has made use of it.
How to Make a Baby
Virtually everyone alive has made use of it.
- #12
3trQN
- 337
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how about:
(B^M)->(P)
Its a most satisfying algorithm, i found it most useful.
(B^M)->(P)
Its a most satisfying algorithm, i found it most useful.
- #13
-Job-
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TristanJ said:Algorithm to add two numbers:
c=a+b;
Tristan
The implementation of basic operations such as multiplication/division and even addition at the circuit level often use some interesting algorithms for optimization and speed. I'm not sure if you were being serious or not.
- #14
TristanJ
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This is true of course, since cascading adders are generally not used in today's high speed processors and optimizing synchronous adders can be very tricky, and fine tuned! However, since this is the programming forum, I assumed that the user meant a programming algorithm. In C++, the "algorithm" to add two integers is a=b+c;. And of course, this post wasn't at all serious! ;-)
Regards,
Tristan Jones
Regards,
Tristan Jones