NIST

randomized algorithm

(definition)

Definition: An algorithm that makes random (or pseudorandom) choices.

Generalization (I am a kind of ...)
algorithm.

Specialization (... is a kind of me.)
Monte Carlo algorithm, Las Vegas algorithm, skip list insert, randomized binary search tree, reservoir sampling.

See also adversary, pseudo-random number generator, probabilistic algorithm, deterministic algorithm.

Note: Appearing in Dictionary of Computer Science, Engineering and Technology, Phillip A. Laplante ed., 2001, CRC Press LLC.

Some algorithms make random choices initially to avoid any fixed worst case.

Author: PEB


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Entry modified 28 February 2019.
HTML page formatted Wed Mar 13 12:42:46 2019.

Cite this as:
Paul E. Black, "randomized algorithm", in Dictionary of Algorithms and Data Structures [online], Paul E. Black, ed. 28 February 2019. (accessed TODAY) Available from: https://www.nist.gov/dads/HTML/randomizedAlgo.html