Greedy Algorithms Questions Medium
A greedy algorithm makes decisions by always choosing the locally optimal choice at each step, with the hope that this will lead to a globally optimal solution. In other words, at each step, the algorithm makes the choice that seems best at that moment, without considering the potential consequences of that choice on future steps.
The decision-making process of a greedy algorithm typically involves evaluating the available options based on a specific criterion or objective function. The algorithm selects the option that maximizes or minimizes this criterion, depending on the problem's requirements.
The key characteristic of a greedy algorithm is that it does not reconsider its choices once they are made. It does not backtrack or revise its decisions based on new information or changes in the problem's context. This can be both an advantage and a limitation, as it allows for efficient and simple solutions but may not always guarantee the optimal solution.
The effectiveness of a greedy algorithm heavily relies on the problem's properties and the choice of the criterion. In some cases, a greedy algorithm can provide the optimal solution, while in others, it may only yield a suboptimal solution. Therefore, careful analysis and understanding of the problem's constraints and requirements are crucial when applying a greedy algorithm.