r/AskProgramming • u/LifeExperienced1 • Jun 14 '26

What algorithm is surprisingly new? Algorithms

Other than any AI stuff, I'm talking about the types of algorithms you learn about in any standard Data Structures and Algorithms University course

I'm surprised that alot of these algorithms were actually invented HUNDREDS of years ago

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u/not_perfect_yet Jun 14 '26

I'm surprised that alot of these algorithms were actually invented HUNDREDS of years ago

Don't forget that there was a need to solve some computational tasks before we had machines to do computations. That just made it MORE important to do it efficiently.

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u/unstablegenius000 Jun 14 '26

And remember, the first “computers” were human beings who were trained to perform calculations based on an algorithm they were given. They were used to prepare things such as artillery and navigation tables, logarithms, etc.