Harvard Professor Explains Algorithms in 5 Levels of Difficulty | WIRED

From the physical world to the virtual world, algorithms are seemingly everywhere. David J. Malan, Professor of Computer Science at Harvard University, has been challenged to explain the science of algorithms to 5 different people; a child, a teen, a college student, a grad student, and an expert.
Correction: Our Level 2 teen, Lexi Kemmer, is actually 17-years-old.
Director: Wendi Jonassen
Director of Photography: Zach Eisen
Editor: Louville Moore
Host: David J. Malan
Guests:
Level 1: Addison Vincent
Level 2: Lexi Kemmer
Level 3: Patricia Guirao
Level 4: Mahi Shafiullah
Level 5: Chris Wiggins
Creative Producer: Maya Dangerfield
Line Producer: Joseph Buscemi
Associate Producer: Paul Gulyas; Kameryn Hamilton
Production Manager: D. Eric Martinez
Production Coordinator: Fernando Davila
Casting Producer: Vanessas Brown; Nicholas Sawyer
Camera Operator: Brittany Berger
Gaffer: Gautam Kadian
Sound Mixer: Lily Van Leeuwen
Production Assistant: Ryan Coppola
Hair & Make-Up: Yev Wright-Mason
Post Production Supervisor: Alexa Deutsch
Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant
Supervising Editor: Doug Larsen
Assistant Editor: Lauren Worona
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[@Mummigoy]

The little girl at the start knows more about computer than most people at my job

[@GoBrushYourTeeth]

She is in general a lot smarter than most people at my job.

[@pranavrao6370]

She knows more than I would have lol.

[@michaelwtreww]

A Harvard level pupil 😂😂😂

[@josepaul4815]

I feel bad for you!

[@MultiRomyl]

IKR? If that's the extent of your knowledge, then you're dumb!@@josepaul4815

[@AnindyaMahajan]

The 6 year old girl has a really bright future ahead of her. She solved the peanut butter challenge better than most adults do when they first take David's CS50 course!

[@a_god8269]

She basically explained an algorithm all by herself 😂

[@arnosuess9020]

Broo the commands were soo precise, she knew to give every detail exactly how youre supposed to, soo funny

[@user-vn4jw3ch8w]

we just hope algorithm is that easy in real life , in real life even you are an expert , even you got told the exact procedure there is still a high chance you cant implement it due to the abstraction.

[@anandvenkatraman8983]

paid actor tbh

[@Qermaq]

@@anandvenkatraman8983 "It's only a model". Ppppbt. It kinda makes sense that a young person, immersed in school and learning, will describe making a sandwich better than an adult who is not such a rigorous observer of process.

[@9009matorres]

Dude’s child explanation was more complicated than my junior and senior students can even understand and the little girl looked genuinely intrigued.

[@johnyepthomi892]

@@phi4444it’s not they can’t, it’s more that they don’t care about it. To lean something , you need to care about that topic enough to learn about it and retain that knowledge. It depends on each individual’s priorities. To each their own.

[@makara2711]

the script supervisor told her the explanation beforehand

[@agustinbarquero8898]

​@@makara2711May I see the proof?

[@GhostkillerPlaysMC]

@@agustinbarquero8898lol it’s pretty obvious someone told her not long before. Seemed pretty scripted, was a very common layman explanation

[@FrenkieWest32]

​@@johnyepthomi892 the girl is the smartest cutest thing, but with that said: senior computer science students don't care enough about computer science to learn what an algorithm is or something? This does not make any sense to me. No need to exaggerate to compliment the girl.

[@felipellrocha]

As a software engineer, that little girl is a genius. She killed it!

[@vikingthedude]

Give her a haskell book already

[@joshc_]

especially the algorithm definition is on point!

[@qwertzuiop1978]

I have a feeling someone gave her some INSTRUCTIONS on what algorithm is prior to this filming

[@HimeshDx]

wdym by "as a software engineer" ?

[@FishThatDavidBlaineSwallowed]

@@vikingthedudeReading ''Haskell'' gave me PTSD lol

[@hebalon]

I think the little girl at the beginning has a better understanding of what an algorithm is than many journalists writing about algorithms. Her explanation was amazing. Simple but absolutely correct.

[@user-rv7de7ym5x]

Sorry to burst your bubble but she was told to say that by the director.

[@1artsick412]

@@user-rv7de7ym5x bubble burster

[@stephenh694]

Because it's taught in school these days.

[@NazriB]

Lies again? Fly Emirates Blu Store

[@PauIdenino]

No she doesn't.

[@kobefourthirty1058]

David Malan is not only a fantastic teacher, but at L4 and L5 he lets the grad student and expert do the explaining while he listens. There is a lot of humility there for someone so smart.

[@kobefourthirty1058]

funnier you would interpret as such

[@kithenry]

@@darth-dg8fx shots fired; can i get you some help friend

[@smugler]

​@@darth-dg8fx At that level of knowledge you don't compare, because there is always an overlap and people complement each other.

[@benirodriguez9516]

​​@@darth-dg8fxthe expert "maybe" but what @kobefourthirty1058 meant is that in L4 and L5, David didn't explain anything. Obviously they didn't need it. But this show, should have taken normal people at different age levels, and not a robotics student and the expert guy.

[@stephenh694]

He lets all of them speak. It's more that there are a vast amount of distinct fields within compsci that overlap in academic and industrial understanding at that level.

[@SamKrahl]

This is a stunning example of how to be a good educator. Fantastic job Prof. Malan!

[@awAtercoLorstaIn.]

He's an *amazing* teacher. I've taken like 3 different CS50s because he elucidates complex concepts in such a clear and concise way. If you have any interest, definitely check it out :)

[@i.am.such.a.weirdo]

@@awAtercoLorstaIn. I am currently watching cs50. and its really amazing. i am glad that i had his lectures.

[@TheOriginalJohnDoe]

David is one of the best teachers for programming. He understands what students don’t understand and uses real world analogy’s in the best way.

[@realgreencookie]

Taking his CS50x class at edx and its exhilarating!

[@bagtea]

@@realgreencookie same lol. Adding it on your resume would give it a big boost

[@tanukitom8606]

I took Dr. Malan's CS50 course last year. God bless this gentlemen for providing excellent knowledge to the public. I even started to be more articulate just because the way he talks lol.

[@briankelly1240]

As in you went there at Harvard or watched online? Curious how it is in person compared to online.

[@drk3249]

Do you have a link to the course?

[@mr.sloth.]

@@drk3249 search cs50 havard edx, you can sign up and take the course for free, don't need to pay for the certification

[@CrankyBarbar1an]

isn't he a dr btw? i've no idea, but thought I'd ask

[@marcusdaster7860]

@@drk3249 search for "Harvard CS50 (2023) - Full Computer Science University Course " :)

[@christopherchan5357]

It is amazing that a 6-year-old can explain what algorithm is even better than an adult.

[@bellatadson]

Can we acknowledge how brilliant that little girl was?! So precious!

[@theblackquill5921]

also the moment she was like jokes on you I like peanut butter was funny

[@adnanmohsinurrahman3579]

The graduate student is my brother. Let us wish for him a bright future. Thank you! Best wishes, vaia! @mahi

[@edwinbongas]

Aamiin...

[@nicolosordi9234]

Best wishes bro❤

[@user-dm4ss9iz3d]

How did they choose? Or let's say what was the algorithm of choosing him was?

[@clauseland9005]

DAVID MALAAAAAAAN. Man after I took CS50 I have been a huge fan. Why isn't every teacher so engaging as David. Thank you for being "dumb" so us as students don't have to feel stupid. You are the best David

[@ashmac87]

I love how this guy explains things without judgment! So many people are condescending when they know things.

[@1sava]

How does a 6 year old even know what an algorithm is? 🤯🤯🤯 She is brilliant!!! Kudos to her parents!

[@khufiie]

Little girl did her homework. The teen didn't she looked so lost lol

[@MAHESHWARREDDY-bh7vr]

How does she doesn't know about internal parts of computer...if she know what is an algorithm

[@robinschwartz6977]

Actually, the term algorithm is used in elementary math. Certainly not when I was a child, but I hear this in the classrooms I sub in.

[@fakecubed]

The whole video was scripted.

[@LagMasterSam]

@@MAHESHWARREDDY-bh7vr Kids are very good at recalling things word-for-word, even after hearing them only once.

[@FelipeFreitasFS]

Half of yellow pages sales are to Malan, just so he can rip it apart at every algorithms class. Gotta love this passion!

[@rhbts10]

He is the reason they keep making it 😂😂😂

[@zurgmuckerberg]

I'm currently at hour 4 of David Malan's CS50 courses I watch online, and I can say, he's the best teacher I've ever seen.

[@itsjustme684]

Ikr!

[@EatSleepDrumRepeat]

David is one of the best teachers the world has ever seen

[@steveftoth]

Maybe in a big classroom setting but 1:1 he doesn’t let the student figure out anything themselves.

[@Themaxmerock007]

Agreed

[@coldfire6869]

​@@steveftothhave you met him or do you say that after watching this video? Just curious.

[@caspertrog1046]

@@steveftoth This right here is for the purpose of a 25 minute video. It's not like he has a lot of time to let them figure it out on their own, he's only got a few moments with each person.

[@user-pg7hk5kf1j]

So how many people have taught you? I mean, to know that he is one of the best ever, anywhere. You must have met quite a few people to know that.

[@HireMyTimestampTalent]

00:02 Algorithms are everywhere and offer opportunities to solve problems. 02:13 Creating an algorithm for making a peanut butter sandwich 06:19 Using loops in programming can make searching more efficient. 07:59 Algorithms for searching through a phone book can be optimized by dividing and conquering 11:41 Bubble sort algorithm explained in steps. 13:34 Algorithm in social media platforms like TikTok is more artificially intelligent than human-based decisions. 17:25 Algorithms are becoming increasingly integrated into our everyday lives 19:00 Data scientists use algorithms to optimize models and develop data products. 22:07 Understanding algorithms is loosely coupled to our progress in advancing great algorithms. 23:43 Large language models like GPT have changed people's perception of AI

[@MooshYT]

I wish I had a teacher like David in my life, I would be so smarter. He has a way of explaining it based on your level of understanding, in a patient way. Teachers need to take notes 👍

[@instachocolate]

Or maybe even just a teacher like that 6 year old would be great too

[@sailorkisser]

And you can! (in a way) His intro to computer science class is free on youtube on the Harvard CS50 channel

[@randomdude2540]

Fact check: True (I took several free cs50 courses online)

[@Kvothe3]

It would be nice if schools didn't sort everyone based on what year they were born, but rather on their level of understanding in a specific subject. That way teachers could realistically do what you are proposing.

[@MooshYT]

@@Kvothe3 agreed 👍 🙌 👏

[@MeroGrumble]

David's adaptation to the various levels was nice. Instead of monopolizing the floor, he was really leading different levels of interviews and gave enough space for the people to express their knowledge in a way that felt natural and instructive.

[@MeroGrumble]

That a teacher can sometimes explain better with dialectic rather than rhetoric.

[@TypicallyThomas]

@@darth-dg8fx He explains loads without just going "Look at me knowing everything" but getting his guests to express how much they know and then expanding on their knowledge with their existing knowledge as handholds. It's why he's using metaphors such as peanut butter sandwiches and phonebooks, cause it's something you can easily understand without it being explained

[@AneOnyme_]

The little girl is smarter than most people I've met. I would rather talk to her than to my family during a dinner 😅

[@nethsarask]

Time stamps 00:00 Intro 00:27 Level 1 - Child 05:07 Level 2 - Teen 10:26 Level 3 - College Student 14:47 Level 4 - Grad Student 18:40 Level 5 - Expert

[@Xphinity]

Notice how the college student and the expert reference algorithms as problem solvers, but the PhD student looks at it as a way of efficiency; big difference

[@User-zo6si]

isnt efficiency just making sure that any problem that is being solved takes up the least amount of time and space when it comes to algorithms, which ultimately is the same thing

[@forthehomies7043]

Algorithms are used to solve problems, and the PhD student takes it one step further by focusing on creating the most efficient algorithms for those problems. So I guess you could consider his view better, but really it's just the next step in the process. An example is tying your shoelaces. You probably have your way of doing it, and that is an algorithm. But is there an easier and faster way of tying your laces, i.e. a better algorithm? That is efficiency. @@phi4444

[@forthehomies7043]

Yes @@User-zo6si

[@aliaslami1763]

As a programmer, I think the 6-year-old girl has a perfect and clear mind, I'm sure she has a good future in computer engineering, she can explain things like this and understand easily.

[@ItsStaffDaddy]

I’m a computer scientist and the 6 year olds description of an algorithm was more concise and simple than I could’ve have done. I’m super impressed

[@hassamlatif1169]

I love that it turns into more and more of an interview as the levels progress. I mean I guess that's unavoidable if the people you talk to are in a similar field to yours. Still its interesting to see that.

[@lator1941]

I really enjoyed the last part between the two experts. It was really insightful

[@Aztari0]

this man must have torn up half of the existing phonebooks at this point

[@apschhokar]

The professor is really good, reminds me of why I like computer science. He adjusts his conversation based on the level of understanding very well.

[@CptVein]

Man this was good. I'm not gonna claim I understood everything that was said in the last conversation but I just loved how it becames a casual discussion these things.

[@nanadwumah9096]

I’m a mechanical engineer who has fallen in love with computer programming and artificial intelligence. It hurts me sometimes that I didn’t major in computer science for my bachelor’s degree but I’m definitely going to pursue my masters in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. I just love programming so much.❤

[@laghriburger8542]

Lifes short, you can do it online, and give tests and get a degree

[@MaxProgramming-uv6br]

Keep it up if you think about something you gonna reach it 🦾🤍

[@JamieModelvsDirector]

It’s the Love and Passion you have for it that I find intriguing 😊❤ I’m so happy for you that you are Blessed to do what you Love to Do 🎉

[@bagtea]

you can still take online courses during your free time, but the CS job market is terrible rn, lots of students in CS and CE degrees struggling to land the job

[@MaxProgramming-uv6br]

Why is that ? Is it because they do not prepare while studying or in general concept of the low demand for the CS students ? And what will be the best option if someone love all the IT stuff ? Which major should go with to land a job in this field ?@

[@LivvieLynn]

Now teach my coworkers how to use excel.

[@TA_Tactics]

Don't even think he could 😂

[@omidmehdi]

😂😂😂😂😂😂 The boomers in the workplace worship me because of excel

[@eval_is_evil]

I know comp science laureates that couldnt describe what an algorithm is like that little girl. She described the basic essence very very well. She gets it. The phonebook example describes very well search algorithms. Radex is great for integers for example (doesnt need to compare values so to speak). Then for data you can use regular expressions with anchors etc. There are so many possibilities and with each language you can do it a bit different,computer sciences are awesome.

[@essayedgar]

Sure buddy 🤦‍♂️ what CS laureate(s) do you know?

[@bekabex8643]

I absolutely loved this. The last conversation was special

[@empirelinkx9930]

That part of giving a very specific instructions as codes for the computer 🖥️ to execute into a desired result is so much insightful.

[@Skuiggly]

i love seeing the curiosity of children like that little girl’s :) its so pure and they haven’t been conditioned to default to “i don’t know” all the time

[@abcdefg91111]

That kid is too dangerous

[@crispinanvikoba5764]

😂😂😂

[@karentechnologies3990]

Also the last conversation with the expert was incredibly fantastic

[@randomswedishdude]

I have been a software developer for close to 30 years. That being said, when I was that first kid's age, I was barely getting off of eating gravel . Her understanding of an algorithm as a list of instructions just blew me away

[@theworsttake]

everyone who's done CS50 recognizes David!! Great guy, you can clearly see he's doing it for passion

[@ekowahyudi1642]

This is great. In college I was taught by some professors and I can assure you that all of them explained things in complicated way. I really wish I had professor who explains like this back then! I bet everyone in class would understand and most importantly, no one would fell asleep!

[@sigvardskrongorns8547]

Always love to listen to Prof. Malan's lectures. :) (and also wondering how many Phonebooks he has torn appart over the years :D)

[@user-mr3ko8rz7j]

Yes, and how big is his phonebooks storage 😂

[@CodingAqyanoos]

I think that the 6 years old girl was smarter than the computer science students and the Data scientist 😂

[@vigneshvarsreekanth4063]

I wish someone taught me about computers like this when I was a kid.I became a fan of the teacher.

[@anthonyyeh162]

Note that the word algorithm is only really defined in the first couple conversations, whilst the practitioner discussions are focused on application. Highlights how simple the idea of an algorithm is and how complex a simple idea can be developed.

[@Hiraeth256]

The conversation between the professor and the expert was quite interesting. They should do few videos together like that. Does anyone know any youtube channel or podcasts where experts of that level discuss about CS and tech?

[@fvazquez64]

Mr Malan is a genius, I enjoy his approach in teaching things, personally I thought I was not going to be able to understand, but I did... Thanks for sharing!!

[@farispalayi]

23:40 Was really hoping he would give an answer to that., but seems like instead of answering the question, he just explained the question itself in detail.

[@wob157]

His answer was an argument that these advancements / shifts in the field shouldn’t deter interest because there are new questions to explore that arise out of it. He also says that the technology existed before it gained recognition, ie there’s a rich field of research that existed before nov ‘22 that still exists and is worth exploring

[@overtechnc3462]

David's CS50 courses are a PLEASURE to watch ! I love his way of teaching 👌

[@tati_oak]

🎉 David J. Malan 🎉 This is such a good episode. Thanks!

[@miomip]

Tbh, the hardest audience to explain anything to is the people who aren't interested that much or don't know anything of the underlying topics. I mostly have explained math, logic, and problem solving to other people in my math and programming class.

[@vibeymonk]

The little girl is the representation of how quickly now the “computer” teaches our kind about themselves. The speed increase is incredible.

[@JohnDakin-gg5tm]

This video really taught me all the basics of algorithm before I get deep into it thanks alot🎉

[@LakshaySharma]

8:39 applying Searching algorithm (left , right and middle concept)

[@didyouknowamazingfacts2790]

She is smarter than I was at 6. I didn't know any of this at 6 and I'm a computer science graduate. I didn't start caring about CS until I was about 15.

[@TheNathanSproul]

That little girl was amazing. Great job mom and dad! It always brightens my day when I get a chance to see brilliance in the next generation.

[@lukeholmes7511]

I love professor Malan. I took his CS50 class when I was in high school.

[@iagolucas3484]

the way he tore the phone book. THE DRAMA. I loved it.

[@IsaacRivas-hg6kg]

The little girl knew more about computers before i started computer science in college

[@subhayukumarbala1680]

Was waiting for him to tear the phone book... God, that's nostalgic and satisfying at the same time. 😅

[@Knoxium94]

you could see how in the last conversation he was enjoying it.

[@deepakjoyjose8189]

I haven't watched the video past the 3rd girl yet, but I truly wish that I had a professor who is as passionate and good at explaining these concepts as David is. It sure makes a lot of difference.

[@michaelres5335]

Wonderful video, this guy slays at explaining!

[@kelvinyelyen]

Even though the learning was online, Professor David J. Malan remains the most exceptional instructor I've encountered. Adored the curiosity and intelligence of the little girl also.

[@kunaldongre9]

Before even video i was wishing when our Cs50 hero will be here and here he is. Thankyou David Malan for introducing cs to us.❤

[@akshita7920]

Really appreciable approach to show the people the ability of understanding basic of dsa ..

[@abdullah.a.nahyan]

Phenomenal educators, such as Professor Malan, create interest in learning rather than boredom!

[@alexakerr8935]

I understand what algorithms are now because of the way the little girl explained it

[@harrysmith8495]

I like this professor know with whom he speaks to, so it is important to knowing to whom you are talking to

[@vulturebeast]

Prof David is the og of computer science. I owe a lot to him ❤

[@towsifulhaider]

The video that nobody expected but everybody deserved

[@victor_y1618]

David is an AMAZING professor, his CS50 lectures are incredible, truly reccommended for anyone who wants to learn Computer Science integrally

[@sarahtodere8610]

How can I access his CS50 course please?

[@edoardodepiccoli3004]

Please I want you at my university, you are so good at explaining things. Best professor in the world

[@airajena5036]

What an extraordinary explanation of Divide and Conquer Algo(Binary Search).

[@LilJollyJoker]

It's crazy how there are 2 NYU students in this video! I myself am also a NYU student majoring in CS, and am going to take Data Structures & Algorithms next semester!

[@forthehomies7043]

That was one of my favorite courses during my CS undergrad. Lots of programming and algo application. Enjoy :)

[@LilJollyJoker]

@@forthehomies7043 Heard its very hard, so I am super worried! Lol, im gonna give myself a headstart and start studying over winter break!

[@AndreRussell-yh4ko]

im doing web design and c programming

[@smart_computing]

I love their understanding of algorithm. Learning can be very interesting if you have a motivating teacher. Listening to the expert as a Data Analyst is very enriching for me.

[@nahaabidorothy934]

This little girl gave me goosebumps. She is smarter than many of the senior developers. Best way of teaching such topics. Kudos😚

[@MrBlereau]

How come she's 6 years old ? She's amazing ! Hope she will do something with her intelligence. Congrats to her parents.

[@rosyidharyadi7871]

Prof. Malan, the legendary phone book shredder

[@kennethkho7165]

professional even, i dare say

[@Lor_Duck]

Never expected to see David on here! He's genuinely an amazing professor!

[@andreschavez9529]

Me encanta como cambia el lenguaje corporal de David

[@jopo7996]

I didn't think I knew much about computers and algorithms, but I do make a pretty wicked PB&J, so yeah, I'm now an expert. Time to update the ol' resume.

[@st2rseeker]

Ironically (or not very), recipes are exactly algorithms - so if you're going to write down instructions how to do your PB&J, you're basically a computer scientist.

[@sabbirh26]

Malan is one of the best CS teacher that i ever seen ❤ I am a fan since CS50 course

[@nananabi838]

I would like the last two parts to be full three hours podcasts.

[@lumix3855]

I love David J. Malan, he's such a charismatic speaker not only here but in his Harvard CS50 courses. What a man.

[@christinaastreha]

I'm 20, this shows me and makes me question did we all as kids sponge in all kinds of information like that too, or it's easier than I remember it? Are we more selective now, isn't that better? (espacially looking at the 6 yo little girl, she's new to the world) :)

[@vectoralphaAI]

Kids now a days have more information and freedom to find information whenever and wherever they want. Back in the day we had to go to the library to find books. So yeah kids now a days can be smarter than before.

[@GIGADEV690]

@@vectoralphaAI More distractions too I am inclining towards more dumber children.

[@jenshagelstein7695]

she is such a sweet little person, my best wishes to her and her family,

[@Uran.Khatola]

The man who laid the foundations of my CS career. I bow to you, sensei!

[@udri-jh1fb]

This series is the best one on wired

[@shyuperc]

The 6 year old was almost teaching David 😂 she's going places!

[@christianmotivates]

That man just ripped a phone book in half with ease 😳

[@gregoryharris688]

I did this exact exercise in 2nd grade in 1988. We had to write EXACTLY the steps to make a PB&J for the teacher to follow, and you had to eat what you ended up with. I had no idea then that it was an algorithm!!

[@gamebeginner15]

this should be available at every biggening of algorithm course man this video cleared my confusion.

[@Jaronut]

8:25 He did the thing he did the thing!

[@coolaa7]

Thanks for the education .👍🏽

[@randompotato3122]

I like that with each level David goes up the less he has to speak. Like he started on level 1 and 2 where he was the only one mostly speaking and the others were mostly just listening and by the end at level 5, David was just listening.

[@justanamateur1682]

I love professor malan, his approach to CS50 is unrivaled! Glad he is getting the recognition he deserves!!!

[@nabkawe]

That kid is precious.❤

[@jaygallagher9195]

i found him after doing the free CS50 course he is really clever and teaches in an interesting way