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Algorithm Cases

The document discusses three cases for algorithms: success, failure, and edge cases. It emphasizes that algorithms must handle unexpected inputs to avoid crashes or incorrect results, and highlights the importance of error handling and input validation. Understanding and managing edge cases is essential for creating robust algorithms that behave reliably.

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rahul24.h2
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4 views10 pages

Algorithm Cases

The document discusses three cases for algorithms: success, failure, and edge cases. It emphasizes that algorithms must handle unexpected inputs to avoid crashes or incorrect results, and highlights the importance of error handling and input validation. Understanding and managing edge cases is essential for creating robust algorithms that behave reliably.

Uploaded by

rahul24.h2
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Algorithm Cases

Algorithms are sets of instructions that solve problems.

The same algorithm can behave differently depending on the inputs.

by Rahul Islam
Case 1: Success
Algorithms are designed to solve problems. When an algorithm succeeds, it outputs the correct answer or desired
result. For example, a search algorithm succeeds if it finds the correct item in a list. A sorting algorithm succeeds if
it sorts the input list in the desired order.
Case 1: Success
The algorithm completes its task as intended.

Produces the desired output.

Example
Sorting a list of numbers from smallest to largest.

Result
The list is sorted correctly.
Case 2: Failure
The algorithm doesn't produce the desired output.

May not complete the task at all.

Example Result

Trying to find the smallest number in an empty list. The algorithm will fail because there are no numbers to
compare.
Case 3: Edge Case
An unusual or unexpected input.

Can cause unexpected behavior or crashes.

1 Example 2 Result 3 Handling


A program expecting positive The program may crash or Programmers must identify
numbers, but receiving a produce an incorrect result. and handle edge cases to
negative number as input. ensure robustness.
Example Edge Case: Division
by Zero
Dividing any number by zero is undefined.

Can cause crashes or produce incorrect results.

Input
1 Divide 10 by 0.

Result
2 The program may crash or return infinity.
Identifying Edge Cases
Think about unusual or unexpected inputs.

Consider the limits of the data and how the algorithm might handle them.

Data Type Edge Case Example

Integer Minimum/Maximum Trying to store a


Value value larger than
the maximum
allowed by the data
type.

String Empty String Trying to process a


string with no
characters.
Handling Edge Cases
Check inputs for potential errors before processing.

Implement error handling to gracefully handle unexpected situations.

Warning Messages
Alert the user of potential problems.

Error Handling
Prevent the program from crashing.

Input Validation
Ensure the input is valid before processing.
Conclusion
Understanding edge cases is crucial for robust algorithms.

Handling them effectively ensures reliable and predictable behavior.

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