Algorithms

Algorithms are step by step processes that describes how to solve a problem and/or complete a task, which always give a result. An example is following a cooking recipe.

Searching algorithms

Linear/sequential search

Searching a list by looking at each item 

Binary search

Searching a sorted list by looking at the middle item, and then searching the appropriate half recursively (repeatedly inside itself). Used for phone books, dictionaries and computer algorithms.

Sorting algorithms

Selection sort

Go through the items in the list and find the smallest item. Once the smallest item is found, move it to the front of the list. Repeat with the next smallest item moved on the right of the smaller item. This is not a very fast algorithm.

Insertion sort

Start initially with an empty list and insert the first item into the list. Select the next item and place it in correct order in the list. Repeat until all items are in the list.

Quicksort

Order the items in a list so that each item is appropriately before of after a pivot. The pivot is now in the correct location. Repeat the process for the items before the pivot...

Interactive Activities

Sorting Algorithms
Quicksort 

Sorting Videos

Cost

Order the items in a list so that each item is appropriately before of after a pivot. The pivot is now in the correct location. Repeat the process for the items before the pivot...

Links

Nested: High School Computer Science - Nested is a YouTube series aimed at teaching concepts of Computer Science to students studying in high schools.

CS Field Guide- An online interactive resource for high school students learning about computer science. 

Sorting Algorithms Animation - Animations illustrating how effective data sets from different starting points can be sorted using different algorithms.