The coolest algorithm ever

If you don’t study computer science, you might not have your own favourite algorithm.

But Martin Zachariasen, head of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Copenhagen (DIKU) does. It is called Quicksort, and it may be the only algorithm with its own music video.

An interview in the Danish computer news site Computerworld about Zachariasen’s favourite programmer took an unexpected twist, when he turned the topic to his favourite algorithm instead.

Cult, but not elegant

He wanted to spread the word about the tasty little algorithm Quicksort and its musical accompaniment.

And for those of you who have no idea what makes one algorithm more endearing than another, here are the qualities that make Quicksort a winner:

»It is a bit cult. It’s one of those algorithms that you always remember, even though it is not one of the most elegant. The name is also incredibly well-chosen,« he enthuses.

And what is Quicksort?

Something to do with sorting, apparently. Watch the video, and all will become clear. Or not.

luci@adm.ku.dk

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