A brute force algorithm is a problem-solving technique that involves systematically checking all possible candidates for a solution to a problem. It is a very general algorithmic paradigm that is used when the problem size is limited, or when there are problem-specific heuristics that can be used to reduce the set of candidate solutions to a manageable size. The brute force approach is an intuitive, direct, and straightforward technique of problem-solving in which all the possible ways or all the possible solutions to a given problem are enumerated. Brute force algorithms are exactly what they sound like - straightforward methods of solving a problem that rely on sheer computing power and trying every possibility rather than advanced techniques to improve efficiency.
The brute force method is typically used when the simplicity of implementation is more important than processing speed. It is also useful as a baseline method when benchmarking other algorithms or metaheuristics. However, the main disadvantage of the brute force method is that, for many real-world problems, the number of natural candidates is prohibitively large. This makes the brute force approach inefficient, and for real-time problems, algorithm analysis often goes above the O(N!) order of growth.
Examples of brute force algorithms include finding the shortest route between two points by calculating the total distance for every possible route and then selecting the shortest one, and finding the combination to a padlock by trying every possible combination until the correct one is found. In cryptography, a brute-force attack involves systematically checking all possible keys until the correct key is found.
Advantages of a brute-force algorithm:
- It is a guaranteed way to find the correct solution by listing all the possible candidate solutions for the problem.
- It is a generic method and not limited to any specific domain of problems.
- The brute force method is ideal for solving small and simpler problems.
- It is known for its simplicity and can serve as a comparison benchmark.
Disadvantages of a brute-force algorithm:
- The brute force approach is inefficient.
- This method relies more on compromising the power of a computer system for solving a problem than on a good algorithm design.
- Brute force algorithms are slow.
- Brute force algorithms are not constructive or creative compared to other algorithms.
