In the world of information technology, algorithms are necessary to create a program. It is a set of rules that should be followed either by a computer or other problem solving operations. Algorithm coincides with programming so it is necessary to discuss both of them.
This Saturday at Vigattin Radio, we’re going to discuss on how these two functions should be done with co-anchors Den Macaranas and Arne Barcelo. Together with them are esteemed guests CEO Kyle Wiltshire and Digital marketer Jasper Sadian-Abay of Zipmatch.com, consultant Adric Schreuders of Salarium and Tim Joseph Dumol, Chief Hacker at Kalibrr.
The first thing they discussed is about algorithm. Mr. Adric Schreuders of Salarium explained, “Algorithm is a generic term which means on how one can get to a solution basically. It could be anything just like a basic algebra, simple mathematics or could be a very complex control structure that gives some input to find out how we generate API.”
Mr. Kyle added that “It is basically a process, a long series of steps.”
Anchor Arne Barcelo then asked them if how they solve problems using their own algorithm. Adric answered that “the first thing you want to do is to make sure that you understand the problem. One of the biggest issues that people are getting it wrong. They originally don’t understand what the problem is all about and they just stop going there and stop building something. They have something and do something but they do not solve the problem that they originally face.”
He added that “the first step is to make sure you realize and understand what the problems are and next is to find if anyone else is already able to solve those problems. So there may already be a solution out there and there’s no point in reinventing the solution and if there’s no existing solution maybe you can break-down your problem into smaller problems.”
Mr. Jasper Sadian-Abay of Zipmatch.com was asked if how he acquired his problem solving skills. He replied, “Usually you get it by experience and learn from people if how they did. My experience is that before you try to get to the problem and solve, as what Adric said, it is about getting into smaller problems and solve them one by one.” He then added, “You really need to understand the problem. It’s by experience and learning from other people.”
Afterwards, Ms. Arne Barcelo asked if what should be done after knowing the problems and listing all the possible solutions. Mr. Kyle Wiltshire of Zipmatch.com responded, “At the point you should start solving problems and break the problem into little pieces and come up with a hypothesis on how you are going to solve the problem. You should just start getting there bit by bit and as you go you have to measure and do what you want to do.”
On input and output process, Mr. Aldric gave an example that filling in a sign-up form online is an instance of an input process, the input would be the registration with that service and the output would be a signed webpage. He added that the information is just coming in and the process deals with that and what it generate afterwards.
Tim Joseph Dumol, Chief Hacker of Kalibrr, then answered if what’s the right mindset of solving the problems. He replied, “There are two ways to approach the problem by looking at it from the bottom up and top down. Sometimes you want to see the overall problem you want to architect on a top down perspective and sometimes you might want to look down from the bottom up. From those perspectives, you can try to solve the problems and solve the details first and then try to integrate them together.”
Later on the guests talked about their companies. Zipmatch.com is website which offers quality listings that help sellers find eligible buyers and give buyers a reliable source of the legitimate properties. The property matching service of Zitmatch.com educates buyers with informative articles, 360 degree views of properties and cities, flood maps, a mortgage, calculator and a concierge service.
Meanwhile, Salarium provides businesses with optimal payroll software that helps professionals in performing all major and minor HR functions. The payroll system is cloud-based and simplifies complex payroll processes. Lastly, Kalibrr is a platform which allows job seekers to pre-qualify for jobs, it is the world first massive open assessment and training platform which is cloud-based.
Afterwards the guest entertained some questions from the listeners. One of the questions is if the Philippines has the capability to have its own Silicon Valley? Mr. Adric answered, that the Philippines really have the best chance to be a leader in terms of new development as long as the people are interested and are doing it for the right reason. He believed that we can find good talent here as in any other country.
The show ended with Mr. Kyle advising programming students. He told them that “they should focus learning on structuring their thoughts and on how to solve complex problems because that is what a company values and much more, solve on how you actually write software and keep looking at the big framework and the programming languages.”
---------------------------------------------
Recorded Stream: