Automata Theory Questions Medium
A sequential algorithm is a type of algorithm that performs tasks or operations in a step-by-step manner, where each step is executed one after the other. In other words, the algorithm processes the input data sequentially, and the output of one step becomes the input for the next step. This type of algorithm is executed on a single processor or core, and it follows a linear flow of execution.
On the other hand, a parallel algorithm is designed to execute multiple tasks or operations simultaneously. It involves dividing a problem into smaller subproblems that can be solved independently and assigning them to different processors or cores for concurrent execution. These processors or cores work together to solve the subproblems simultaneously, and their results are combined to obtain the final solution. Parallel algorithms aim to achieve faster execution and improved performance by utilizing the computational power of multiple processors or cores.
The main difference between sequential and parallel algorithms lies in their approach to task execution. Sequential algorithms follow a sequential or linear flow, executing one step at a time, while parallel algorithms divide the problem and execute multiple steps simultaneously on different processors or cores. This fundamental difference in execution strategy leads to variations in performance, scalability, and efficiency between the two types of algorithms.