A search problem refers to the task of finding a solution within some space of possible options, and that space could be made up of discrete steps or continuously varying values. For example, solving ...

Does the superior quality of search results from dominant firms like Google stem primarily from better algorithms or from access to larger volumes of user-generated data?

One July afternoon in 2024, Ryan Williams set out to prove himself wrong. Two months had passed since he’d hit upon a startling discovery about the relationship between time and memory in computing.

The present reality is that Google presses the button and updates its algorithm, which in turn can update site rankings What if we are entering a world where it is less of Google pressing a button and ...

The original version of this story appeared in Quanta Magazine. One July afternoon in 2024, Ryan Williams set out to prove himself wrong. Two months had passed since he’d hit upon a startling ...