The Basic Idea
In a world increasingly dominated by technology, we hear the word Algorithm everywhere. What actually is an algorithm? In simple terms, an algorithm is essentially a sequence of concrete instructions that tell an operator what to do. Think of a flow chart that moves through steps of YES and NO guiding someone to a specific outcome.
A common analogy used to explain an algorithm is that of a recipe. Imagine a typical recipe for chocolate chip cookies. The recipe would include raw ingredients that go through a sequence of commands in order to create a final product. In this case, the “operator” is the baker, who will read the recipe, execute the instructions, and maybe even update and refine the recipe, depending on how the cookies turn out.
We can apply this conceptual logic to a computer program, where you substitute the baker for a computer. The program will also read, execute, and refine the instructions, taking raw ingredients, or inputs, through a sequence of commands to create a final outcome or solve a problem. This process is occurring all around us. Your journey to get to this page to read this piece was aided by a series of algorithms. Perhaps you googled “algorithm” or someone shared this link on social media; although it seems like you may have found yourself here on your own accord, there’s a hidden layer of algorithmic computer code that made for a seamless process.
We have already turned our world over to machine learning and algorithms. The question now is, how to better understand and manage what we have done?
- Barry Chudakov, founder and principal of Sertain Research
