Algorithms For Dummies

  Ten Algorithms That Are Changing the World 

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more time efficient and can work more land at a lower cost. Without algorithms, 

these sorts of patterns, which have such a high impact on daily life, can’t be 

recognized.

Dealing with Automation and  

Automatic Responses

The proportional integral derivative algorithm is quite a mouthful. Just try saying 

it three times fast! However, it’s one of the most important secret algorithms 

you’ve never heard about, yet rely on every day. This particular algorithm relies on 

a control loop feedback mechanism to minimize the error between the desired 

output signal and the real output signal. You see it used all over the place to con-

trol automation and automatic responses. For example, when your car goes into a 

skid because you break too hard, this algorithm helps ensure that the Automatic 

Breaking  System  (ABS)  actually  works  as  intended.  Otherwise,  the  ABS  could 

overcompensate and make matters worse.

Just about every form of machinery today uses the proportional integral derivative 

algorithm. In fact, robotics wouldn’t be possible without it. Imagine what would 

happen to a factory if all of the robots constantly overcompensated for every 

activity in which they engaged. The resulting chaos would quickly convince  owners 

to stop using machines for any purpose whatsoever.