While viewing a website we were watching the attractive pictures, animations and interactive buttons. But behind this there are a lot of activities done for a smooth functioning of the website. We only focus on HTML, CSS and Javascript. Beyond this there are a lot of things happening to develop an attractive website. One of the aspects is algorithms. Algorithms are the key to web development and many features like searching, filtering, compressing, encryption algorithms etc.
What is an Algorithm ?
An algorithm can be defined as a set rules and regulations designed and developed to solve several problems and also to perform certain tasks. In web development algorithms are everywhere to solve different kinds of problems and make the work easier and faster.
Common Algorithms used in web development
- Searching Algorithms: Searching algorithms are crucial in finding items in data structures. It can be an array, list or graph. Search algorithms include linear and binary search. Linear search is the simplest form of search which is inefficient for large data. Each data element of the list is sequentially checked by this algorithm until finding the desired value or else continue the process. Binary search is an effective algorithm, where the data is divided into two parts for comparing the desired value with the middle element. Search is finished when the desired element and the middle element are equal. Even though this process is effective, the data has to be sorted in advance.
- Sorting Algorithms: Sorting algorithms can be defined as a process of arranging data in a specific order. For example arranging numbers from smallest to largest, letters from A to Z. Sorting algorithms are a useful method in web development because it helps to showcase products by their price range and arranging blog posts by date. Some of the common sorting algorithms are Bubble sort, Selection sort, Insertion sort and Quick sort.
- Encryption Algorithms: Encryption algorithm can be defined as a process of the transformation and conversion of data into another form and the unauthorized parties can read this data. In web development encryption algorithms help to protect the data of your users and your data. There are mainly two encryption algorithms: Symmeric encryption and Asymmeric encryption.
- Compression Algorithms: Compression algorithm can be defined as the method of reducing the size of data by avoiding the unnecessary bits without reducing and eliminating the relevant information. Compression algorithms in web development are useful because as we know that large size data will slow down the performance of websites. This algorithm helps to reduce the size of images and videos included in the website. By reducing the size this will help to increase the performance of the website. Commonly used compression algorithms are JPEG, PNG etc..
- Filtering algorithms: Filtering algorithms are used to select a subset of data that meets certain criteria or conditions, such as keywords, categories, ratings, prices, locations, or dates. Filtering algorithms can be implemented in various ways, such as using loops, arrays, lists, sets, maps, or functions. Filtering algorithms can also use different techniques, such as boolean logic, regular expressions, pattern matching, or fuzzy logic. Filtering algorithms are useful for enhancing the user experience and providing relevant and personalized results.
Places where algorithms used in web development
- Frontend Logic: Frontend logic is known as the rule and actions that are placed in a website and that happens on your screen. These actions and rules help the website to respond as soon as possible when the viewer clicks the buttons and types in forms. This algorithm can be named as client side algorithm. By explaining this from the client side when a user completes the forms on a website and submitting at that time the algorithm will try to check the inputs. For example verifying the email address and strengthening the passwords.This is known as form validation.
- Backend Processing: Backend processing is known as server side algorithm that means everything done behind the website is known as backend processing. When we try to log in the server will check the information provided by us and connect with the database and send the result for the action done by us on the screen. Backend processing helps to store data and analyzes everything and ensures works are going properly behind the scenes.
Do a web developer need to be an algorithm expert?
No, it is not necessary to be an algorithm expert. Especially a web developer who is more focused on the web designing process and developing a simple website. But having and understanding basic knowledge in algorithms like (sorting, searching,compression) will help developers to develop websites with high performance. Learning these as an additional helps you to improve your skills and talent.
In conclusion, algorithms are widely used in web development and play an important role in creating efficient websites. Algorithms help to improve the site performance by compressing the data amount of data into smaller ones.
