This web site is hosted in part by the Software and Systems Division, Information Technology Laboratory.
This site is a dictionary of algorithms, algorithmic techniques, data structures, archetypal problems, and related definitions. The main page includes a description of what subjects are and are not included, entries for about 1400 terms, and lists of references. However it is a lot to download if you have a slow connection or just want to look up one term. The two-column layout of the index takes a noticeable amount of time to render, too.
The two-level index is very brief. The first index has links to secondary index pages, and those link to the entries. This two-level approach trades a little less convenience (two clicks) for a download of about 1/20th the size.
There are additional index pages which list entries by area, for instance, sorting, searching, or graphs, and by type, for example, algorithms or data structures. A page also lists all implementations. We thank those who contributed definitions as well as many others who offered suggestions and corrections.
To define or correct terms, please contact Paul E. Black. We need help in automata theory, combinatorics, parallel or randomized algorithms, heuristics, and quantum computing. We do not include algorithms particular to business data processing, communications, operating systems or distributed algorithms, programming languages, AI, graphics, or numerical analysis: it is tough enough covering "general" algorithms and data structures. However, if you want to tackle one of these areas, we'll consider including them.
If you don't find a term with a leading variable, such as n-way, m-dimensional, or p-branching, look under k-.
To look up words or phrases, enter them in the box, then click the button.
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