Introduction to Algorithms

A central theme in computing is the design of a process for carrying out a task. The task might be sorting names into alphabetical order, finding the cheapest way to link a set of computing sites into a network, converting a number to its representation in the binary system, encrypting a message for secure transmission, designing a digital circuit for a microchip, or determining the shortest path to be followed by a robotic arm. There will be many occasions throughout this book when we will find ourselves investigating problems of this nature, and asking: How can this task be performed by a person or a computer? In each case, the answer will take the form of a precise sequence of steps known as an algorithm.