2.13. Glossary¶

algorithm
a generic, step-by-step list of instructions for solving a problem
average case
refers to when an algorithm performs between its worst and best case given a certain data set or circumstance
best case
refers to when an algorithm performs especially good given a certain data set or circumstance
Big-O notation
another term for order of magnitude; written as $$O(f(n))$$
brute force
technique that tries to exhaust all possibilities of a problem
contiguous
dynamic size
able to change size automatically
exponential
function represented as a number being raised to a power that increases like $$f(n)= 2^{n}$$
hash table
a collection consisting of key-value pairs with an associated hash function that maps the key to the associated value.
linear
function that grows in a one to one relationship with its input like $$f(n) = n$$
logarithmic
functions that are the inverse of exponential functions usually presented as $$f(n) = logn$$
order of magnitude
function describing the part $$T(n)$$ (a function describing an algorithm’s steps as the size of the problem increases) of that increases the fastest as the problem gets larger
simplified: $$f(n) = x^{2}$$
complex: $$ax^{2} + bx + c$$