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For measuring the complexity of an algorithm, is it time complexity, or computational complexity? What is the difference between them? I used to calculate the maximum (worst) count of basic (most costing) operation in the algorithm.

Median Hilal
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Computational complexity is the general subject of using complexity measures to compare programs or algorithms. Time complexity and space complexity are two measures that are commonly used when talking about computational complexity, but there are others.

For example, it's common to look at the number of comparisons performed in a sorting algorithm.

Paul Hankin
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  • You haven't used the term various other resourceswhich are helpful in computation! So, a downvote. Please visit my answer. It is not used as a key factor to compare algorithms, it's for the whole program and the resources used to perform those computation, like memory,parallel threads,etc. – Am_I_Helpful May 02 '15 at 05:30
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    @shekharsuman Sorry, but I find both your comment and your answer hard to understand. – Paul Hankin May 02 '15 at 05:42
  • @Anonymous- I am really sorry that you couldn't get my point,but,please go through the Wikipedia link that I have referred in my answer! Really sorry not to make you understand. – Am_I_Helpful May 02 '15 at 05:47
  • @shekharsuman Anonymous hasn´t used the term various other resources, but you too didn´t. If that is a downvote reason, I´ll give you mine. And no, time/space complexity is not for a whole program with GUI interaction etc., only for algorithms, and has nothing to do with technical stuff like multiple threads (while the ability to parallelilze is an important aspect for algo´s too, it´s not expressed in complexities) –  May 02 '15 at 06:19
  • @deviantfan-So what else have I mentioned in my answer. It seems youare reading some third answer which hasn't been posted. Please don't mind,but, don't you see those bold-code based Time-Complexity : Algorithm :: Resources(computer-based) : Computational Complexity. in my answer. I don't know what else should've I marked on and this is the reason why I downvoted this answer of Anonymous! Please justify your point SIR. – Am_I_Helpful May 02 '15 at 06:22
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    @shekharsuman More reasons? I don´t understand this particular line at all, and why it is mathematical with it´s : and :: . The wikipedia quote is unnecessary and time complexity [is] to identify the complexity of execution of algorithm doesn´t answer anything because it clear to everyone, and the rest of the sentence makes it sound like time and computational compl. are completely different things –  May 02 '15 at 06:26
  • @deviantfan-Well, that's the question of OP, and yes,they both aren't the same. Time-complexity is just a minor segment at all, I again request you to go through the link! Also, what else could I have added better! And, it seems you aren't kinda mathematical guy enough to understand those ratio & proportions,PARDON ME FOR THIS! – Am_I_Helpful May 02 '15 at 06:29
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    @shekharsuman a) Calm down, it´s pointless to argue. b) I don´t see a ratio (like % numbers) anywhere and it wouldn´t make sense; same for proportions. c) Thanks, but I know what complexity means without Wikipedia. d) The link to Wikipedia doesn´t make your answer good. –  May 02 '15 at 06:39
  • Well, for (C)then you are considering complexity & computational complexity the same,means you are underestimating the power/role of computer!For (a) Thanks, but,I am consistently trying to do the same. (B) Yes,it makes sense logically,need to check your logic out in conceptual things. (D) Yes,at least it gives more clarification about my/anyone's answer! NOw, I further don't want to argue, I will just post this as a meta question,better it be dragged down to the court of justice! Thanks anyway for your MUCH-VALUED opinion. @deviantfan – Am_I_Helpful May 02 '15 at 06:42
  • Let us continue this discussion in chat. –  May 02 '15 at 06:45
  • Finally you won Anonymous & @deviantfan. Thanks for making me understand my mistake. – Am_I_Helpful May 02 '15 at 08:21