(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
If you have suggestions, corrections, or comments, please get in touch with Paul Black.
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