Greedy Algorithms Questions Medium
The main difference between a greedy algorithm and a dynamic programming algorithm lies in their approach to solving problems.
A greedy algorithm makes locally optimal choices at each step with the hope that these choices will lead to a globally optimal solution. It focuses on making the best possible choice at the current moment without considering the overall consequences. Greedy algorithms are usually simple and efficient, but they may not always provide the optimal solution for every problem. They are more suitable for problems where making the locally optimal choice at each step leads to the globally optimal solution.
On the other hand, a dynamic programming algorithm breaks down a problem into smaller overlapping subproblems and solves each subproblem only once, storing the solution to avoid redundant calculations. It uses a bottom-up approach, solving smaller subproblems first and then combining their solutions to solve larger subproblems until the original problem is solved. Dynamic programming algorithms are more systematic and guarantee to find the optimal solution. They are suitable for problems that exhibit the principle of optimality, where the optimal solution to the problem can be constructed from optimal solutions to its subproblems.
In summary, the key difference between greedy algorithms and dynamic programming algorithms is that greedy algorithms make locally optimal choices without considering the overall consequences, while dynamic programming algorithms solve subproblems and store their solutions to find the optimal solution to the original problem.