Reservoir Sampling: A Solution for Random Sampling with Unknown Data Size

This article provides a clear and concise explanation of reservoir sampling, an algorithm that elegantly solves the problem of fair random sampling when the total size of the data is unknown. Using the analogy of picking playing cards, the article progressively explains the algorithm's mechanics and illustrates its practical application with a log collection service example. Reservoir sampling ensures fairness while efficiently managing memory usage, preventing system crashes due to excessive data. The article also briefly touches upon algorithm extensions and applications, making it a highly recommended read for anyone interested in learning about this powerful technique.
Read more