Randomized Algorithms

by Rajeev Motwani, Prabhakar Raghavan

For many applications, a randomized algorithm is either the simplest or the fastest algorithm available, and sometimes both. This book introduces the basic concepts in the design and analysis of randomized algorithms. The first part of the text presents basic tools such as probability theory and probabilistic analysis that are frequently used in algorithmic applications. Algorithmic examples are also given to illustrate the use of each tool in a concrete setting. In the second part of the book, each chapter focuses on an important area to which randomized algorithms can be applied, providing a comprehensive and representative selection of the algorithms that might be used in each of these areas. Although written primarily as a text for advanced undergraduates and graduate students, this book should also prove invaluable as a reference for professionals and researchers.

Genres: Computer Science, Mathematics, Algorithms, Academic, Technical, Textbooks, Programming

496 pages, Hardcover

First published August 25, 1995

Reviews

[Emil Petersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first eight chapters extensively, and only skimmed the remaining chapters. It is basically THE book on randomized algorithms, as far as I know, and I found it a great introduction. I tried reading it a few years ago, but found it difficult. Now, after a few algorithms classes, it was much more accessible.

[Matti Andreas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The bible in Randomized Algorithms as far as I know, it covers a lot of fundamental things in the subject in a reasonable way. I think that often the application of the material like deviation bounds or the probabilistic method are too complicated for a first attempt, they leave out way too many steps in the algebra and thought process for it to be a smooth enjoyable read, you need a piece of paper and pencil next to you. The problems of the book are also not particularly suited for self study, they really do embrace the essence of what a problem is in contrary to an exercise, I would have enjoyed more simple exercises.

Tip: Read the appendix carefully and know where to find bounds. they are being used all the time in this book.

Surprising prerequisites are also things like Linear programming, proving inequalities, abstract algebra(fields etc.), computational geometry, series(geometric, power, etc).

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best I've seen.

[Nick Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazon 2009-01-10. Clearly regarded as the standard in this field (new to me this semester), with apparently a heavier emphasis on continuous probabilities (and thus requirements of measure theory, Borel algebras, and the Lesbesgue integral, knowledge of which is unfortunately no longer a safe assumption regarding CS grad students) than our text.

[Zarathustra Goertzel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basically read and worked through the first part for class, and then the chapters leading up to hashing and treaps.

The hashing chapter was a bit awkward and inelegant.
The one on treaps was quite beautiful.
Chapter 4 on the Chernoff bound and random parallel hypercube routing was fun, and well complemented by chapter 5 on the probabilistic method.

So, 'tis a good intro ;-)

[dead letter office · Rating 2 out of 5]

i'll just say you should be suspicious of any textbook that misspells the author's name on the spine.

[DJ]

Nice book on randomized algorithms recommended by Nielsen and chuang, but as Nick mentions, the maths required are still one grad analysis class beyond me

[محمد القيسي · Rating 4 out of 5]

its a good book