Algorithms

Where do I start… Algorithms are kind of the bane of my existence right now. I’ve done a few technical interviews at this point and in every one so far, the major point of emphasis has been some form of algorithm. In my first it was one dealing with the Fibonacci sequence that I discussed in a previous post and Its only continued from there. So that’s what I’m going to talk about today.

So what exactly is an algorithm? I know when I first heard the word in relation to coding it seemed intimidating. It seems that this is a shared sentiment among newbies in the coding world. Its easy to get tripped up on the word and expect some crazy levels of algebra or calculus to be involved. However upon looking up exactly what algorithms are I discovered this.

Algorithm – a process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer.

Based off that definition we can learn a few things.

1. while Algorithm can be a scary word to new coders it truly is just the process for solving problems, the instructions to making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is technically an algorithm
2. The technical interviews use algorithms to test us on our ability to apply our programming knowledge, as well as, to assess our ability to solve problems.

Its very unlikely that when I get hired by a company that I’m going to have to work with the Fibonacci sequence, but solving problems is a large percentage of the job in the coding industry, so assessing our ability to do so just makes sense.

So to wrap up, are algorithms scary? Absolutely, IF….. you are underprepared as I have been in a couple of my interviews. I’ll be doubling down on my algorithm practice going forward. If your reading this and struggling with algorithms as well, I wish you good luck and good patience. I’m dead set on making it in this industry, so even though this might be a set back, it won’t hold me down for long.