Introduction to Algorithm Design

Problem solving is an essential part of every scienti c discipline. It has two components; problem identi cation and formulation, and solution of the formulated problem. One can solve a problem on its own using ad hoc techniques or follow those techniques that have produced e cient solutions to similar problems. This requires the understanding of various algorithm design techniques, how and when to use them to formulate solutions and the context appropriate for each of them. Algorithm design is identi ed and incorporated into many solution theories of operation research, such as dynamic programming and divide-and-conquer. Techniques for designing and implementing algorithm designs are algorithm design patterns, such as template method pattern and decorator pattern, and uses of data structures, and name and sort lists. Some current day uses of algorithm design can be found in internet retrieval processes of web crawling, packet routing and caching.