Optimization (computer science) in the context of Mipmap

In computing, memoization or memoisation is an optimization technique used primarily to speed up computer programs. It works by storing the results of expensive calls to pure functions, so that these results can be returned quickly should the same inputs occur again. It is a type of caching, normally implemented using a hash table, and a typical example of a space–time tradeoff, where the runtime of a program is reduced by increasing its memory usage. Memoization can be implemented in any programming language, though some languages have built-in support that make it easy for the programmer to memoize a function, and others memoize certain functions by default.

Memoization has also been used in other contexts (and for purposes other than speed gains), such as in simple mutually recursive descent parsing. In the context of some logic programming languages, memoization is also known as tabling.

A search suggest drop-down list is a query feature used in computing to show the searcher shortcuts, while the query is typed into a text box. Before the query is complete, a drop-down list with the suggested completions appears to provide options to select. The suggested queries then enable the searcher to complete the required search quickly. As a form of autocompletion, the suggestion list is distinct from search history in that it attempts to be predictive even when the user is searching for the first time. Data may come from popular searches, sponsors, geographic location or other sources. These lists are used by operating systems, web browsers and various websites, particularly search engines. Search suggestions are common with a 2014 survey finding that over 80% of e-commerce websites included them.

The computing science of syntax and algorithms are used to form search results from a database. Content management systems and frequent searches can assist software engineers in optimizing more refined queries with methods of parameters and subroutines. Suggestions can be results for the current query or related queries by words, time and dates, categories and tags. The suggestion list may be reordered by other options, as enumerative, hierarchical or faceted.