Talk:Cycle detection

From Rosetta Code

output

Wouldn't it be sufficient just to print the cycle? Fwend (talk) 14:23, 26 February 2016 (UTC)

Not a bad idea. My choice of output was influenced by the needs of an algorithm that uses Cycle detection as a subroutine. Printing the cycle would make it easier to test and visualize the results. --Paul.chernoch (talk) 18:58, 26 February 2016 (UTC)

Unless other contributors object, I suggest you change the task description accordingly, before there are even more entries. Fwend (talk) 23:14, 26 February 2016 (UTC)

task requirement

I've noticed that some entries don't use the Brent algorithm in finding a solution.

Is it an intent that the solutions   must   use the Brent algorithm?   -- Gerard Schildberger (talk) 22:07, 26 February 2016 (UTC)

I would prefer that it use Brent, since that makes it easier for those who might benefit from the algorithm to make an apples-to-apples comparison when looking at different language implementations. At the very least the implementer should identify which algorithm they are using. The performance characteristics can vary considerably among algorithms. --Paul.chernoch (talk) 22:52, 26 February 2016 (UTC)

When performance is critical it's probably best to not use an algorithm which uses O(1) space. (On the other hand, performance is usually not critical.) --Rdm (talk) 16:15, 3 March 2016 (UTC)