An Introduction to the Analysis of Algorithms (Psychopharmacology Monograph) - Hardcover

"People who analyze algorithms have double happiness. First of all they experience the sheer beauty of elegant mathematical patterns that surround elegant computational procedures. Then they receive a practical payoff when their theories make it possible to get other jobs done more quickly and more economically.... The appearance of this long-awaited book is therefore most welcome. Its authors are not only worldwide leaders of the field, they also are masters of exposition." --D. E. Knuth

This book provides a thorough introduction to the primary techniques used in the mathematical analysis of algorithms. The authors draw from classical mathematical material, including discrete mathematics, elementary real analysis, and combinatorics, as well as from classical computer science material, including algorithms and data structures. They focus on "average-case" or "probabilistic" analysis, although they also cover the basic mathematical tools required for "worst-case" or "complexity" analysis. Topics include recurrences, generating functions, asymptotics, trees, strings, maps, and an analysis of sorting, tree search, string search, and hashing algorithms.

Despite the large interest in the mathematical analysis of algorithms, basic information on methods and models in widespread use has not been directly accessible for work or study in the field. The authors here address this need, combining a body of material that gives the reader both an appreciation for the challenges of the field and the requisite background for keeping abreast of the new research being done to meet these challenges.

• Thorough, self-contained coverage for students and professionals in computer science and mathematics
• Focus on mathematical techniques of analysis
• Basic preparation for the advanced results covered in Knuth's books and the research literature
• Classical approaches and results in the analysis of algorithms