Algorithm analysis is an important topic in all aspects of computer science and many other fields, as it can affect your programs complexity and overall performance. The purpose of this series is to slightly cover some of the introductory concepts related to algorithms, and delve into a selection of sorts, searches, and a couple of artificial intelligence algorithms.

What is an Algorithm?

Seven Steps in the Software Life Cycle covered creating a structured, top-down method for the design and implementation of a program. Step four of this process was the algorithm, and was defined as an effective method for solving a problem expressed as a finite sequence of steps. The algorithm must be written very clearly, as not to cause misinterpretation, and is normally done in pseudocode. The algorithm should, when applied to the problem, solve it in a finite amount of time. Basically, you are writing a step by step set of instructions to accomplish a task. This same methodology can be observed in manuals, as they walk you step by step to accomplish different things in a timely manner.

How is efficiency measured?

The Importance of Algorithms mentions that one of the most important aspects of an algorithm is how fast it is. This does not necessarily mean that the algorithm will perform the same for all situations, as performance can be affected by the computers configuration and the implementation of the algorithm’s code.  This is why, they explain, you look at the runtime environment versus the size of your input. For example, if the input consists of N integers, an algorithm might have a runtime proportional to N², represented as O(N²). This means that if you were to run an implementation of the algorithm on your computer with an input of size N, it would take C*N² seconds, where C is some constant that doesn’t change with the size of the input.

The ordering of the data is important depending on the operation. Let’s take for example a sorting algorithm, which has N amount of integers for it’s input. The best case scenario would be that the data is already sorted, therefore the algorithm would simply run through and realize an already sorted array of data. On the other hand, the worst case would be an algorithm sorted in reverse order. This would cause the algorithm to have to reorder all the data, and would take the longest. Therefore, you will often see analysis refer to worst-case runtime, or the average-case runtime. The table below displays the approximate completion time for algorithms, N = 100. This table will be referred to in future post, as different algorithms are examined.

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Woke up too early… It is 0400, and 2012 has barely started. This year is full of opportunities for me, as I graduate in May and begin my full-time employment with a great company. I hope to continue to grow this site as it will keep my computer skills sharp, as my job will revolve around engineering and not programming. The following is what I hope to accomplish in 2012, as far as this site is concerned.

• Goal 1: Delve into algorithms
• Covering sorts, search, and some artificial intelligence
• Goal 2: Expand the Mac Mini ubuntu server series
• Re-write old post, and add e-mail and possible website hosting
• Goal 3: iOS and my App ideas
• Two ideas, but MUST implement only one by 2013
• Want 1: Expand my knowledge of Java GUI through Clojure
• Scheme was fun, but I am intrigued by clojure, so this kills two birds…
• Want 2: Maps! Bring on the Maps!
• Will help in future ideas, and its just cool… Plus I did buy Map Scripting 101, so must finish reading it
• Want 3: Learn more Javascript, which enables Cappuccino and Objective-J
• Love what this framework has to offer, and it now uses Xcode and interface builder
• Need 1: Graduate! And maintain site at the same time.

Stick around, keep coming back, comment and share ideas, and let’s help each other stay sharp.

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As you know this blog helps me keep track of things I have learned, and helps burn things into my brain. Today we are going to discuss the seven steps in software development…

The software life cycle was defined as creating a structured, top-down method for the design and implementation of a program. The actual amount of steps varies according to the person describing them, but they always cover the same steps.

1. Specify the Requirement
2. Data Analysis
3. Problem Analysis
4. Algorithm
5. Coding
6. Testing
7. Maintenance

The first four steps are very important as it represents the logic of the problem, and can be used to test the execution of the algorithm. This checking of the logic eliminates semantic problems, and allows for the utilization of the pseudocode in many languages. You should have test data ready, and develop a trace table; This can be used to check the output of the program when testing.

1. Specify the requirement: This area is where you describe exactly what you are doing as clear as possible. In this statement you will include the data to be used, and what can be assumed. Also, the desired output and its layout.

2. Data Analysis: List all the variables needed to solve the problem. Utilizing self-documenting (Descriptive of what they represent) variable names is always preferred. This also includes the data type, scope, and documentation for each variable.

3. Problem Analysis: Here you will list each operation necessary to solve the problem at hand. You can also divide the problem into multiple subtasks as needed, and continue until they are specifically stated and easily solved.

4. Algorithm: this clarifies how the problem is to be solved. An algorithm is an effective method for solving a problem expressed as a finite sequence of steps. The algorithm must be written very clearly, as not to cause misinterpretation, and is normally done in pseudocode. The algorithm should, when applied to the problem, solve it in a finite amount of time.

These last three steps allow for the solution to the problem to be entered into a form the computer can work with.

5. Coding: The translation of the algorithm from pseudocode into a programming language. Proper mapping of the code to the algorithm, combined with refining of the pseudocode, should lead to an easy translation to any programming language.

6. Testing: This step requires the use of the data table built with the algorithm. You will run the program, and verify the output for correctness and proper layout. Also, you will validate the code ensuring you requirements have been met and the problem was solved.

7. Maintenance: Updating and testing of the software. Every time the code is updated, it must be tested for correctness.

Feel free to leave a comment with any suggestions/corrections you might have.

Much has been written about the new MacBook Air, but all the articles and reviews are about the new 11″ MBA with 1.4GHz & 2Gb RAM. I decided to upgrade my laptop to the 11″ MacBook Air, and opted for the 1.6GHz & 4Gb of RAM model. Since I do not have any of the different tools utilized by some of the bigger blogs, I decided to use Mathematica for the task. Mathematica has a BenchmarkingReport function that is used for evaluating the performance of the computer system on which Mathematica is run. The function measures the amount of time a certain task will take. The task vary from formulating the digits of pi, to random number sorting.

For the demonstration I decided to run this on my outgoing 13″ MacBook Pro, the 11″ MacBook Air, and my Desktop. The results below show the difference between all three.

So far I have not really felt the difference, but this is mostly a light work machine, so I don’t expect it to really make me regret my decision. One month from today might be different, but that is for a different post.

After watching this video on you tube I was curious, since most the comments said it did not work. I grabbed some pics that I had, and merged them on my laptop. Using the software through school, my computer was taxed. These were very large images, and I was doing it through on a network. Below are 3 of about 30.

After the images were done merging, and I had my panoramic shot, I clicked on the magic wand. The area was selected, and I clicked fill. The content aware option was checked, and I let it go to work again.

This is the final image. I was very impressed, as there were many different elements to it. The content aware feature worked well for me, and I look forward to reusing it.

The newest iPhone has hit the streets. While everyone is complaining about their antenna issues, and wiesel lawyers are finding reasons to sue. I find myself amazed at how strong this new model is, and the strength of the new glass. After watching the video below by Richard Ryan I expected the phone to blow into pieces, at least for the glass to explode, due to the round’s power. A .50 BMG round can produce between 10,000 and 15,000 foot pounds(between 14 and 18 kilojoules) or more, depending on its powder and bullet type, as well as the rifle it was fired from. I found it hard to believe the phone was in one piece. What are your thoughts?

Twitbird was recently updated to version 2.5. I have been using twitbird for about a year now, and have been very satisfied. The developers are always working to make theirs apps better, and ask customers lots of questions in order to achieve great success.I personally prefer the new espresso theme, but you can choose your own from a few different ones. This will be a brief, photo based, review of what I like the most.

The home screen allows for multiple identities, but since I am using the premium version I can have two.

Once inside your chosen account you will see the very familiar layout. This is an option, as you can also have it be in rows.

You have multiple options on how to read your tweets.

You can translate.

It allows for easy tweet management.

Also, you have options on how to read your links. Now, ReadItLAter, Instapaper, etc.

And finally, one of my favorite is the ease with which you can send tweets.

If you are looking for a twitter client, and don’t like the twitter app, give twitbird a try. What is your favorite client?

Welcome and thanks for reading. This post will cover how to run Android inside of a Virtual Machine on your Mac or PC. I will do the video on my Mac, but the same steps can be followed on a PC. The problem arose while attempting to install Android 1.6, but the video displays a way to get it to work. Thanks for reading, and please leave a comment if you have any tips.

Welcome back!!!
Apple recently introduced the iPad… I was both excited, and disappointed. I understand running the full OS X is hard for a mobile device that small, but how about doing like the iPod and taking the core, and introducing the iPad’s own version of the User Interface. In the Days to the event, I found myself thinking of the possibilities, and now find myself looking to see what the HP Slate will offer. Following are reasons I will wait before diving in…

The iPhone is great, don’t get me wrong, but its just that. The iPad was supposed to be much more, and its just a giant iPod touch. It lacks the forward facing camera we all dreamed of. Can you imagine having Skype installed on this device, and chatting with friends.

Second, the lack of multi-tasking is ridiculous. So if I am working on something I have to stop, and go to the next app, only to come and have to relaunch the previous app? Ridiculous. The lack of a built in SD card slot is unacceptable, and a loss. Having to get different kits to load your photos on the go is inconvenient, and should have been included. Also, having to sync with a PC through a cable seems out dated for such a device… How about a one time hook up, and then just wirelessly have the device do a time machine like kind off sync while you do other things.

Lastly, the very small amounts of storage feels almost restrictive. I would fill it up in podcast and iTunes U videos alone. Add to that the many movies, music, and apps and soon its full. Also, iBooks looks great, but no mention of books I already own in pdf. This might be a premature decision, as the iPad has yet to be released, but I will wait like I did with the original iPhone and save myself major disappointment. Who knows maybe I will get one of the slate PCs running the NVIDIA Tegra… What was your opinion, reaction? Thanks for reading.

Photo source is linked to acknowledge the original owner.

Welcome back, it’s been a while. I have been on the move a lot here lately, but have no fear… There were plenty of sleepless nights where I was attempting to accomplish something, but could not get my equipment to comply… So more blogs are to come…

On to the topic at hand… The evil case. Beware of what you wish for!!!

Whenever I setup a new rig it has to be exactly what I want, or what’s the point. I always like to have a powerful, yet smaller system running as it saves space. This seemed like a great idea at the time of planning, but assembly went on it backfired. The case is a Antec Mini P180 Black Computer Case and is a great looking case. The problem came when I decided to slap it together…

As you can see, the motherboards power cable was going to be in the way of the harddrive rails just slghtly. This did not deter me though, as I simply modified it a little bit. All I required was a pair of sheet metal cutters, and the job was complete.

The cuts were small, about (1/2)” and then folded back and flattened. The end result is not pretty, but its the insights that really count and once the cover is on… Only you and the case will know what really did happen that evil day.

The before and after show the small mod, but I am currently running three 250GB drives for my operating systems, and have a DVD Burner in one of the bays as well. There are no problems at all, and the system is just like I wanted. Do not be afraid to modify it, or customize it… Its just metal after all.