The Hungarian algorithm is a combinatorial optimization method used to solve assignment problems, where the goal is to minimize the cost of assigning tasks to agents. It efficiently finds the optimal way to pair items from two sets, ensuring that each item is assigned to exactly one counterpart while minimizing total costs. Developed by Hungarian mathematicians Dénes Kőnig and Jenő Egerváry, the algorithm operates on a cost matrix, applying a series of steps to find the best assignments. It is widely used in various fields, including operations research, economics, and computer science, for tasks like job assignments and resource allocation.