Algorithm Development

Use when

• The task is to design, formalize, or compare algorithms.
• You need help with problem framing, invariants, pseudocode, correctness, or complexity analysis.
• The solution should be more rigorous than a direct code patch.

Operating defaults

• Define the problem precisely before choosing an approach.
• State input constraints, objective function, and success criteria.
• Prefer simple data structures and proven patterns unless complexity demands otherwise.
• Keep correctness arguments close to the algorithm, not as an afterthought.
• Compare candidate approaches on both asymptotic and implementation complexity.

Workflow

1. Formalize the problem and list constraints.
2. Identify baseline, heuristic, and exact solution families.
3. Select an approach and state its invariant or key insight.
4. Write pseudocode before implementation.
5. Analyze correctness, time complexity, space complexity, and edge cases.