online algorithms

Online algorithms are methods for solving problems where decisions must be made based on incomplete information that arrives sequentially over time. Unlike offline algorithms, which can access all information at once, online algorithms work in real-time, adapting their strategies as new data comes in. This is useful in scenarios like scheduling tasks, managing resources, or serving web requests, where future events are unknown. The challenge is to make efficient choices that perform well even when information is limited, balancing immediate needs with potential future requirements.