Questions tagged [algorithms]
In mathematics and computer science, an algorithm is an effective method expressed as a finite list of well-defined instructions for calculating a function. Algorithms are used for calculation, data processing, and automated reasoning.
2,209 questions
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Which hashing algorithm is best for uniqueness and speed?
Which hashing algorithm is best for uniqueness and speed? Example (good) uses include hash dictionaries. I know there are things like SHA-256 and such, but these algorithms are designed to be secure,...
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1vote
1answer
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Data structure for grouping strings in a collection when they share common substrings [closed]
I am looking for a data structure and an algorithm to manage a dynamic collection of strings, but grouping strings that have a substring in common. I try to describe it through an example. @Christophe:...
0votes
2answers
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How to translate points on a path relative to two other points?
I'm trying to make a curved line move relative to the movement of a straight line. I'm thinking that I want the points on the curved line to keep their relative positions to the two points on the ...
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30votes
7answers
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How can lossless compression ever exist?
If all data is essentially just a bit string, then all data can be represented as a number. Because a compression algorithm, c(x), must reduce or keep the same length of the input, then the compressed ...
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1answer
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algorithm needed for historical backups
I back up important paths from my PC each day with an automated process that creates zip files. On the 20 terabyte drive I can have close to three years worth. Each weekend I make a VHDX backup of my ...
5votes
9answers
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Methods to increase the amount of data sent in a packet
I have been working on launching high-altitude balloons (HABs, or weather balloons) and I have been using LoRa to enable long-range communication with my balloons. It's been great and pretty reliable, ...
6votes
7answers
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How to avoid repeating "a==b" when comparing "condition a" and then "condition b" and then...?
For example, I have an object: public class Obj{ public int a; public float b; public String c; } I need to find best "Obj": largest a and then largest b and then longest c: int ...
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11votes
4answers
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Is there an algorithm for matchmaking?
I am interested to know if there is an existing algorithm to start a multiplayer game, for example, poker. What steps do we need to take when the player enters the "matchmaking phase"? I ...
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41votes
10answers
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Difference between Algorithm and Code
A few days ago I had a conversation with a Civil Engineer with a background in Pascal and BASIC, and we talked about programming in Python. When I was talking, I used the term "code" to ...
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2answers
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Looking for clarification on the process of playing audio files [closed]
I've been working on a software project recently that's meant to include an audio player, and my plans for it definitely are to simply use an off-the-shelf player library, and go with that. However, ...
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0votes
0answers
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approximating a shape with a line
I have an image that has been converted to an svg. The conversion looks fine, but it has prefered to use fill instead of stroke. This in itself is not a bad thing in terms of converting a raster image ...
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2votes
2answers
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Is this architecture overkill? What is a good way to architect this software?
I have an algorithm I am trying to implement that has steps 1 to 5. There are several different ways I could implement each step. Each calculation step is essentially just an astronomy calculation, ...
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151votes
13answers
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Is it just me or is this a baffling tech interview question? [closed]
Background I was just asked in a tech interview to write an algorithm to traverse an "object" (notice the quotes) where A is equal to B and B is equal to C and A is equal to C. That's it. ...
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1vote
3answers
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Merge Sort Concept Understanding
Merge Sort contains basically two important routines: (i) split (ii) merge. I get the general idea. But I dont understand how this is more efficient than some random bad sort algorithm, like selection ...
2votes
1answer
502views
Algorithm for finding all combinations with constraints
I'm looking for a way in C# that finds all the possible combinations with constraints. I've got a list of machines. The machines have capabilities and limitations. I also have a document that defines ...
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