Probabilistic algorithms are computational methods that use randomness to make decisions or solve problems. Unlike deterministic algorithms, which produce the same output for a given input every time, probabilistic algorithms can yield different results on different runs, even with the same input. This randomness can help simplify complex problems or improve efficiency in certain tasks. These algorithms are often used in fields like computer science, cryptography, and machine learning. For example, they can help in data analysis by providing approximate solutions quickly, rather than exact solutions that may take much longer to compute.