Introduction to Algorithms: Basics and Importance

This lecture introduces the course CS-250, focusing on algorithms and data structures. It covers the significance of studying algorithms in various fields like the internet, biology, computer graphics, security, and more. The instructor emphasizes the importance of understanding data structures for proficient programming. The lecture also discusses the textbook 'Introduction to Algorithms' by Cormen et al., the course schedule, grading criteria, and algorithm implementation assignments. It explains the concept of algorithms, problem-solving, correctness, efficiency, and the sorting problem. The lecture concludes with insights on hard problems, the impact of algorithms on technology companies, and the 280-year-old algorithm inside Google Trips.