Can we really determine the best program ever?

Question

Suppose, I say that this is the most efficient or the best way to do a particular problem;but then some one presented an even shorter and elegant way to solve the same problem.
Therefore is there any " best way" to solve a problem?

Answer 1

For some, yes.

The shortest distance between two coordinates would be a straight line.

But for most, no.

We may one day be able to warp through wormholes to shorten that distance even further. Putting it short, there are only best solutions for the current point in this timeline. If we take future solutions which have not been discovered into consideration, then there will be no telling to what we can achieve.

We can say that the shortest time taken to solve a problem would approach zero, when the effectiveness and efficiency of an algorithm increases infinitely. Yet again, there may be algorithms to prevent said problems from existing in the first place.

Answer 2

we cant even determine wether or not an algorithm is correct.

Answer 3

Basically Hatsy is saying the answer to the question is relative, much like the famous theory of relatively

Answer 4

Theory of relativity** :P

Answer 5

In striving for the best we'll get better and better (while learning more and more) but best is a continual journey :-).