Algorithm vs method vs methodology:
? Algorithm is just like a formula to solve any problem step by step, with no ambiguity to any step, and must have some ending point.
?Method is a process by which a task is completed; or a way of doing something. There might be several different algorithms to implement a method.
? Method is analogous to a strategy, algorithm is analogous to the tactics.
?Methodology is the systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field of study. It comprises the theoretical analysis of the body of methods and principles associated with a branch of knowledge. Typically, it encompasses concepts such as paradigm, theoretical model, phases and quantitative or qualitative techniques. A methodology does not set out to provide solutions—it is therefore, not the same as a method. Instead, a methodology offers the theoretical underpinning for understanding which method, set of methods, or best practices can be applied to a specific case, for example, to calculate a specific result.
例如: 空城计是method.如何是实现空城计呢,需要分成几个阶段/步骤实现:1,如何通知所有士兵? 2,怎样撤离? 步骤1和步骤2的具体实现方案就是一个算法,事实上一个method可以有不止一种的实现algorithms.
methodology包括了上面提到的method(空城计),其实现algorithm(步骤),以及相关的操作代价,和背后的理论支撑等等相关知识。
[1] Stackoverflow: What is the difference between a method and an algorithm?
[2] Wiki: Methodology