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Algorithm Efficiency

Definition

Algorithm efficiency refers to how well an algorithm performs in terms of time and space requirements. It measures the amount of resources an algorithm consumes to solve a problem.

Analogy

Think of algorithm efficiency as the speed and memory usage of different transportation methods. Just like some modes of transport can get you to your destination faster and with less effort, efficient algorithms are designed to solve problems quickly and using minimal resources.

Related terms

Time Complexity: Time complexity is a measure of how long an algorithm takes to run based on the input size. It helps us understand how the running time grows as the input size increases.

Space Complexity: Space complexity refers to the amount of memory or storage space required by an algorithm during its execution. It helps us analyze how much memory an algorithm needs as the input size increases.

Big O Notation: Big O notation is used to describe the upper bound or worst-case scenario for time or space complexity. It allows us to compare algorithms and understand their scalability.