Re:50 Algorithms Every Programmer Should Know (Second Edition)
by gwbas1c on Wednesday January 03, 2024 @03:14PM
(#38859202)
> what's the point of knowing trivia on data structures and algorithms if you will never implement those or even be aware you're using them or not?
Because:
1: Sometimes you need to choose the algorithm, even if it's implemented for you. (Many languages provide many different kinds of collection types, varying on some small details that appear unimportant, until they are very important to your specific need or use case.)
2: Sometimes knowing details of the algorithm helps you avoid edge cases and other inefficient behavior.
3: Sometimes if you know the algorithm exists, you know what kind of library to search for, instead of reinventing the wheel.
Because:
1: Sometimes you need to choose the algorithm, even if it's implemented for you. (Many languages provide many different kinds of collection types, varying on some small details that appear unimportant, until they are very important to your specific need or use case.)
2: Sometimes knowing details of the algorithm helps you avoid edge cases and other inefficient behavior.
3: Sometimes if you know the algorithm exists, you know what kind of library to search for, instead of reinventing the wheel.