I'd like a list of the most important, basic, essential programming algorithms. [more inside]
posted by kitcat on Sep 10, 2009 - 36 answers

I've got a polygon of n points. How can I simplify out noisy edges? [more inside]
posted by soma lkzx on Mar 31, 2009 - 12 answers

Given, for example, a table and a deck of cards or numbered sheets or whatever, what's a good way to put them in order? I feel like this is the sort of knowledge that would be passed around as tricks of the trade among secretaries, but, more generally, is there any field that makes systematic study of algorithms for humans instead of computers?
posted by d. z. wang on Feb 3, 2009 - 20 answers

I have a task where I have a bunch of streets that I need to drive on, (but not all streets like StreetView) and I would like to know how is the best method to accomplish this while limiting the amount of extra un-needed driving? [more inside]
posted by farmersckn on Jan 14, 2009 - 8 answers

DataVisualizationFilter: How can I best visualize the results of my combinatorial optimization problem? I'm trying to solve an n-dimensional discrete optimization problem using some metaheuristic algorithms. More details behind the cut. [more inside]
posted by miasma on Oct 16, 2008 - 9 answers

Can anyone direct me to some good sources of algorithms or tutorials that will help me to creater something somewhat more complex than a 2D particle system? [more inside]
posted by le morte de bea arthur on Oct 12, 2008 - 3 answers

Is there anything "in between" polynomials and exponentials? [more inside]
posted by metastability on Aug 23, 2008 - 5 answers

This will expose my complete ignorance of math, but hey. I need a simple algorithm to calculate and display overall individual grades for similar products. [more inside]
posted by william_boot on Jun 26, 2008 - 19 answers

Which progamming language for email management and filtering, and to experiment with cryptography? [more inside]
posted by sparklejess on Mar 2, 2008 - 17 answers

I have a moderately-sized pile of papers (say, several dozen) in front of me. What's a quick way of getting them thoroughly shuffled by hand? I am familiar with lots of shuffling algorithms, but they don't work well by hand, and techniques like riffle shuffle that work well with small, stiff cards don't work well with standard sheets of paper.
posted by Wolfdog on Jan 16, 2008 - 12 answers

I'm looking for an algorithm to come up with a good match for an input image by overlaying a number of smaller template images from a library of templates. For a simple example, if I give my algorithm a picture of a red lollipop with a white stick, I'd like it to search its library and find, say, a red circle and a skinny white rectangle and overlay them. [more inside]
posted by moonmilk on Jan 13, 2008 - 11 answers

Algorithmfilter: I have a set of tasks and a set of workers. Tasks vary in size. Each task can be done by only some of the workers. How can I find a mapping from tasks to workers that minimizes the load on the the heaviest-loaded worker, and assigns all the work? [more inside]
posted by jewzilla on Dec 16, 2007 - 9 answers

What's a good algorithm for finding the lowest total price if I want to buy several items from several different sellers, where each seller charges a flat shipping cost? [more inside]
posted by jacobm on Aug 3, 2007 - 5 answers

I've charged with adding a feature to a shift scheduler / coverage requestor that displays shift information for a given week. I've been able to display them so as to satisfy the constraints I've been given, but it's got me wondering wondering if there's a more rigorous/mathematical approach to the general problem of organizing the display of any such calendar information. [more inside]
posted by Frankieist on Apr 12, 2007 - 3 answers

How can I efficiently and elegantly calculate a rolling sum of count-of-events in a time period from a list of event times? [more inside]
posted by dmd on Jan 11, 2007 - 10 answers

What is the Big O of the slowest algorithm in P [more inside]
posted by Osmanthus on Dec 30, 2006 - 46 answers

Looking for the title of a book which I recently read a review for. Something related to algorithms for solving common problems or situations. I think it's about applying geekish logic to a non-geek scenario. Unfortunately there's no
posted by kaydo on Dec 17, 2006 - 14 answers

How does a wiki store revisions? [more inside]
posted by deadfather on Dec 15, 2006 - 7 answers

Book ID: I'm looking for a specific self-help book circa 2004, full of step-by-step algorithms for everyday life tasks, such as applying for a job, getting satisfaction when you buy a defective product, finding a good doctor, and so on. I need the author and the title. Thanks!
posted by rwhe on Nov 4, 2006 - 2 answers

I'm looking for the appropriate algorithm to use to compare two files. I think I can do better than diff due to some added constraints. [more inside]
posted by Khalad on Feb 2, 2006 - 25 answers

Is there a way to represent algorithms in a form that in turn requires minimal or no knowldege of other algorithms? [more inside]
posted by Rothko on Sep 15, 2005 - 33 answers

I am working on a project involving some 3d programming (in AutoLisp), and have managed to muddle through with what I remember of university geometry. I run into basic geometry problems (i.a.: find the 3d point where 2 lines intersect, given only the start points, angles and slope of the lines) which I manage to laboriously and clumsily solve. I'm sure most of these problems have 'canonical' solutions, worked out by graphic programmers. Is there any online resource for algorithms and formulas for typical 3d programming problems?
A good, simple explanation of the theory (and application in 3d graphics) of transformation matrixes would be nice, too.
posted by signal on Sep 3, 2004 - 6 answers

How do computer adaptive tests work? What do the algorithms look like (more inside)? [more inside]
posted by trharlan on Jan 8, 2004 - 6 answers