Algorithms in a Nutshell (In a Nutshell (O'Reilly))

Creating robust software requires the use of efficient algorithms, but programmers seldom think about them until a problem occurs. Algorithms in a Nutshell describes a large number of existing algorithms for solving a variety of problems, and helps you select and implement the right algorithm for your needs -- with just enough math to let you understand and analyze algorithm performance. With its focus on application, rather than theory, this book provides efficient code solutions in several programming languages that you can easily adapt to a specific project. Each major algorithm is presented in the style of a design pattern that includes information to help you understand why and when the algorithm is appropriate. With this book, you will: Solve a particular coding problem or improve on the performance of an existing solution Quickly locate algorithms that relate to the problems you want to solve, and determine why a particular algorithm is the right one to use Get algorithmic solutions in C, C++, Java, and Ruby with implementation tips Learn the expected performance of an algorithm, and the conditions it needs to perform at its best Discover the impact that similar design decisions have on different algorithms Learn advanced data structures to improve the efficiency of algorithms With Algorithms in a Nutshell , you'll learn how to improve the performance of key algorithms essential for the success of your software applications. Creating robust software requires the use of efficient algorithms, but programmers seldom think about them until a problem occurs. __Algorithms in a Nutshell__ describes a large number of existing algorithms for solving a variety of problems, and helps you select and implement the right algorithm for your needs -- with just enough math to let you understand and analyze algorithm performance. With its focus on application, rather than theory, this book provides efficient code solutions in several programming languages that you can easily adapt to a specific project. Each major algorithm is presented in the style of a design pattern that includes information to help you understand why and when the algorithm is appropriate. With this book, you will: * Solve a particular coding problem or improve on the performance of an existing solution * Quickly locate algorithms that relate to the problems you want to solve, and determine why a particular algorithm is the right one to use * Get algorithmic solutions in C, C++, Java, and Ruby with implementation tips * Learn the expected performance of an algorithm, and the conditions it needs to perform at its best * Discover the impact that similar design decisions have on different algorithms * Learn advanced data structures to improve the efficiency of algorithms With __Algorithms in a Nutshell__, you'll learn how to improve the performance of key algorithms essential for the success of your software applications. Creating software systems involves more than simply writing a program. It requires creativity and technical excellence. Technical excellence includes the ability to make programs robust and efficient. Efficient algorithms are at the heart of all but the most trivial programs. Programmers, however, seldom think about the algorithms in their programs until they encounter problems. Many programmers do not have a background in algorithm analysis and design and if they do, they don't take the time to find the right algorithm for their needs. Algorithms in a Nutshell helps programmers select, analyze, and implement the right algorithms for their particular needs. It provides just enough mathematics to let the reader understand and analyze algorithm performance. The algorithms in the book are based upon the type of problems they address. Each algorithm is presented in the style of a design pattern - an approach, or plan for how to solve the problem accompanied by the information needed to understand why the algorithm is appropriate, how one might determine why the algorithm is the right one, and implementation tips. This is a major benefit to the reader. Just as design patterns for object-oriented design enable developers to use a common language to describe their designs, we believe that providing a pattern language for algorithms can enable similar communication benefits Efficient algorithms are at the heart of all but the most trivial programs. 'Algorithms in a Nutshell' helps programmers select, analyze, and implement the right algorithms for their particular needs, providing just enough mathematics to let the reader understand and analyze algorithm performance