What do artificial intelligence, smartphone apps, GPS directions and online shopping recommendations all have in common?
Algorithms.
Recently, NPR’s “Word of the Week” feature explored the fascinating origin of the word “algorithm” in a story, “How ‘algorithm’ got its name from a 9th-century Persian mathematician.”
To help explain why algorithms matter so much today, NPR turned to UWM computer science professor Susan McRoy.
“The real idea of an algorithm is something that has enabled us to control really complex and wonderful technology,” McRoy told NPR.
It’s a fitting description for a concept that quietly powers much of modern life.
Algorithms are step-by-step instructions that help computers solve problems, make decisions and process information. They’re also the foundation of artificial intelligence.
In fact, it’s difficult to describe AI without talking about algorithms first. Every chatbot response, image generator and recommendation engine relies on algorithms working behind the scenes. Listen to the report.