Algorithms: Definition and Origins

This lecture explores the definition of an algorithm, tracing its origins back to ancient times and its role in explaining processes to humans. The instructor discusses examples of non-computer algorithms, such as sorting a deck of cards or finding the shortest route to a location. The lecture delves into the formal definition of algorithms, emphasizing the importance of deterministic operations and finite data sets. Different types of algorithms, including sequential, parallel, and distributed, are explained with real-world analogies. The instructor also touches on the efficiency of parallel and distributed algorithms, highlighting potential challenges like redundancy and blocking. The session concludes with a brief overview of deterministic algorithms and the limitations of introducing randomness in algorithms.