Poems that solve puzzles : the history and science of algorithms / Chris Bleakley.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Bleakley, Chris, author.

Contributor:

Edward Potts Cheyney Memorial Fund.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Problem solving.

History.

Algorithms.

Algorithms--History.

Problem solving--History.

Genre:

History.

Physical Description:

271 pages : illustrations, maps, portraits ; 22 cm

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Oxford : Oxford University Press, 2020.

Summary:

Algorithms are the hidden methods that computers apply to process information and make decisions. Nowadays, our lives are run by algorithms. They determine what news we see. They influence which products we buy. They suggest our dating partners. They may even be determining the outcome of national elections. They are creating, and destroying, entire industries. Despite mounting concerns, few know what algorithms are, how they work, or who created them.0'Poems that Solve Puzzles' tells the story of algorithms from their ancient origins to the present day and beyond. The book introduces readers to the inventors and inspirational events behind the genesis of the world's most important algorithms. Professor Chris Bleakley recounts tales of ancient lost inscriptions, Victorian steam-driven contraptions, top secret military projects, penniless academics, hippy dreamers, tech billionaires, superhuman artificial intelligences, cryptocurrencies, and quantum computing. Along the way, the book explains, with the aid of clear examples and illustrations, how the most influential algorithms work. Compelling and impactful, 'Poems that Solve Puzzles' tells the story of how algorithms came to revolutionise our world.

Contents:

Machine generated contents note: 1. Ancient Algorithms

2. Ever-Expanding Circles

3. Computer Dreams

4. Weather Forecasts

5. Artificial Intelligence Emerges

6. Needles in Haystacks

7. The Internet

8. Googling the Web

9. Facebook and Friends

10. America's Favourite Quiz Show

11. Mimicking the Brain

12. Superhuman Intelligence

13. Next Steps.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Local Notes:

Acquired for the Penn Libraries with assistance from the Edward Potts Cheyney Memorial Fund.

ISBN:

0198853734

9780198853732

OCLC:

1144475252

Publisher Number:

99985689869