Heuristics & Algorithms

Strategies for Modern Problem-Solving

Alejandro G. Rangel
11 min readDec 13, 2023

‘Navigating the Modern Maze’

Have you ever lost in one of those giant corn mazes during a fall festival?

You know, the kind — where every turn seems to lead to another dead end, and the only way out seems to be a mysterious path known only to the crows watching amusedly from above.

Well, welcome to the modern world of problem-solving, where the maze is metaphorical, but the confusion can feel just as accurate.

In this vast maze, our trusty compasses are heuristics and algorithms. Think of heuristics as your gut feeling, a mental shortcut that helps you navigate life’s countless decisions without having to stop and analyze every last corn stalk.

They’re like those helpful hints scattered throughout the maze — not exact directions but nudges in the right direction.

On the other hand, algorithms are more like carefully plotted maps. These rules or step-by-step instructions guide us in solving problems and making precise decisions.

They’re the equivalent of an aerial view of the maze, offering a clear path to the exit, albeit one that requires a bit more effort to follow.

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