The power of algorithms

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Examining and manipulating problems to design algorithms is essential across various fields. As everyday activities increasingly rely on algorithmic principles, the demands for power, precision, reliability, and speed have elevated algorithm design from a creative endeavor to a rigorous science. This book targets both designers and consumers of this evolving science. The first chapter provides a historical overview, tracing the development of concepts like recursion and formalizations such as computability. The second chapter emphasizes the need for appropriate techniques and sophisticated data organization in algorithm design. Subsequent chapters feature contributions from leading researchers who present examples from diverse areas, including routing, Web search, information security, auctions, games, complexity, randomness, and life sciences. These examples illustrate how algorithmic thinking not only offers practical solutions but also enhances understanding of specific domains. The authors, with extensive academic and industrial backgrounds, engage readers with enthusiasm and humor. This book serves as an excellent introduction to a fascinating field, appealing to undergraduate and postgraduate students in computer science, engineering, and mathematics, as well as anyone interested in algorithmic thinking.