In other words, under the premise of being able to solve the problem, algorithm efficiency has become the main criterion for evaluating the merits of an algorithm, which includes the following two dimensions.
In short, **our goal is to design data structures and algorithms that are both fast and memory-efficient**. Effectively assessing algorithm efficiency is crucial because only then can we compare various algorithms and guide the process of algorithm design and optimization.
Suppose we have algorithms `A` and `B`, both capable of solving the same problem, and we need to compare their efficiencies. The most direct method is to use a computer to run these two algorithms and monitor and record their runtime and memory usage. This assessment method reflects the actual situation but has significant limitations.
On one hand, **it's difficult to eliminate interference from the testing environment**. Hardware configurations can affect algorithm performance. For example, algorithm `A` might run faster than `B` on one computer, but the opposite result may occur on another computer with different configurations. This means we would need to test on a variety of machines to calculate average efficiency, which is impractical.
On the other hand, **conducting a full test is very resource-intensive**. As the volume of input data changes, the efficiency of the algorithms may vary. For example, with smaller data volumes, algorithm `A` might run faster than `B`, but the opposite might be true with larger data volumes. Therefore, to draw convincing conclusions, we need to test a wide range of input data sizes, which requires significant computational resources.
Due to the significant limitations of actual testing, we can consider evaluating algorithm efficiency solely through calculations. This estimation method is known as <u>asymptotic complexity analysis</u>, or simply <u>complexity analysis</u>.
Complexity analysis reflects the relationship between the time and space resources required for algorithm execution and the size of the input data. **It describes the trend of growth in the time and space required by the algorithm as the size of the input data increases**. This definition might sound complex, but we can break it down into three key points to understand it better.
- "As the size of input data increases" means that complexity reflects the relationship between algorithm efficiency and the volume of input data.
- "The trend of growth in time and space" indicates that complexity analysis focuses not on the specific values of runtime or space occupied but on the "rate" at which time or space grows.
Complexity analysis provides us with a "ruler" to measure the time and space resources needed to execute an algorithm and compare the efficiency between different algorithms.
Complexity is a mathematical concept and may be abstract and challenging for beginners. From this perspective, complexity analysis might not be the best content to introduce first. However, when discussing the characteristics of a particular data structure or algorithm, it's hard to avoid analyzing its speed and space usage.
In summary, it's recommended that you establish a preliminary understanding of complexity analysis before diving deep into data structures and algorithms, **so that you can carry out simple complexity analyses of algorithms**.
