Designing algorithms for energy efficiency

So far in this chapter, we have explored methods for measuring the energy consumption of software and examined how different programming languages influence software efficiency. In this section, we’ll turn our attention to the core of any software system: algorithms.

Algorithm

An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or formula that’s designed to solve a problem. It consists of a series of clearly defined instructions that have been crafted to accomplish a specific task or address a particular challenge.

In the realm of software, algorithms are fundamental; they act as the blueprints for programming software and applications, enabling them to perform functions, process data, and make decisions with optimal efficiency.

Energy-efficient algorithm design emphasizes customizing algorithms to their specific contexts and conditions, rather than adopting a generic “one-size-fits-all” approach. As mentioned...