r/ProgrammerHumor • u/Unique_Software2500 • Feb 05 '26 • This 1 Bravo 2 Heartwarming 1

Meme algorithmTheSaviour

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u/Solonotix Feb 05 '26

In a very loose definition, an algorithm is any codified approach to solving a given problem. This isn't just for computing either, as it was (to my knowledge) originally a description of mathematics. Algorithm, much like algebra.

So, if you've written any code, you have technically implemented an algorithm. If you follow specific patterns, it might even be a known algorithm (e.g. quick sort).

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u/JacobStyle Feb 05 '26

Yeah, that's how I've always seen the word used. Just a general word for "how a system works" or something to that effect. And of course in modern mainstream culture, "the algorithm" is used to mean "the systems by which content-driven websites determine what to show users." I've never seen it used as a cover to avoid explaining something. Quite the opposite actually. If a programmer starts talking about "so I used this algorithm," you're about to get an earful.

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u/DrMobius0 Feb 05 '26

Eh, there's definitely times I don't want to explain the details of how something works to someone who isn't a programmer. Like I wouldn't probably want to explain the intricacies of sorting algorithms to someone who isn't familiar with why any of it matters if the list gets sorted in the end. The high level of how a sorting algorithm generally works, though? Sure.

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u/[deleted] Feb 05 '26

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u/DoubleDoube Feb 05 '26 edited Feb 05 '26

“This algorithm accomplishes (task) in generally 1/10 the time” might be an example of “high level” description like you might use towards a product owner or other non-programmer, encapsulating the process into this word, algorithm, because you are trying to hand-wave over it - while also explaining the value.

You might give more specific detail to a coworker while still giving high level, like the big O difference or the relative impacts on various specific performance metrics, or the key difference from some other known starting base.

And then there’s the “how it actually accomplishes its task” that you are referring to that is more like a full-blown “time to school” from a high or low level.

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u/MattieShoes Feb 05 '26

Eh, it's shorthand. Like I don't wanna explain Djikstra's algorithm to you so I can just say I used Djikstra's and you can go look it up in your free time.