Data Structures and Algorithms in Java[1].pdf - Fulvio Frisone

Simplifying the Analysis Further
In algorithm analysis, we focus on the growth rate of the running time as a
function of the input size n, taking a "big-picture" approach, rather than being
bogged down with small details. It is often enough just to know that the running
time of an algorithm such as arrayMax, given in Section 1.9.2, grows
proportionally to n, with its true running time being n times a constant factor that
depends on the specific computer.
We analyze data structures and algorithms using a mathematical notation for
functions that disregards constant factors. Namely, we characterize the running
times of algorithms by using functions that map the size of the input, n, to values
that correspond to the main factor that determines the growth rate in terms of n.
We do not formally define what n means, however, and instead let n refer to a
chosen measure of the input "size," which is allowed to be defined differently for
each algorithm we are analyzing. This approach allows us to focus attention on
the primary "big-picture" aspects in a running time function. In addition, the same
approach lets us characterize space usage for data structures and algorithms,
where we define space usage to be the total number of memory cells used.
The "Big-Oh" Notation
Let f(n) and g(n) be functions mapping nonnegative integers to real numbers. We
say that f(n) is O(g(n)) if there is a real constant c > 0 and an integer constant n 0 ≥
1 such that
f(n) ≤cg(n), for n ≥ n 0 .
This definition is often referred to as the "big-Oh" notation, for it is sometimes
pronounced as "f(n) is big-Oh of g(n)." Alternatively, we can also say "f(n) is
order of g(n)." (This definition is illustrated in Figure 4.5.)
Figure 4.5: Illustrating the "big-Oh" notation. The
function f(n) is O(g(n)), since f(n) ≤ c · g(n) when n≥n 0 .
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