Algorithm

An algorithm is a set of steps for

accomplishing a task or solving a problem.

Typically, algorithms are executed by

computers, but we also rely on algorithms

in our daily lives. Each time we follow a

particular step-by-step process, like making

coffee in the morning or tying our

shoelaces, we are in fact following an

algorithm.

In the context of computer science, an

algorithm is a mathematical process for

solving a problem using a finite number of

steps. Algorithms are a key component of

any computer program and are the driving

force behind various systems and

applications, such as navigation systems,

search engines, and music streaming

services.

What is an algorithm?
An algorithm is a sequence of instructions

that a computer must perform to solve a

well-defined problem. It essentially defines

what the computer needs to do and how to

do it. Algorithms can instruct a computer

how to perform a calculation, process data,

or make a decision.

The best way to understand an algorithm is

to think of it as a recipe that guides you

through a series of well-defined actions to

achieve a specific goal. Just like a recipe

produces a replicable result, algorithms

ensure consistent and reliable outcomes for

a wide range of tasks in the digital realm.

And just like there are numerous ways to

make, for example, chocolate chip cookies

by following different steps or using slightly

different ingredients, different algorithms

can be designed to solve the same

problem, with each taking a distinct

approach but achieving the same result.

Algorithms are virtually everywhere around

us. Examples include the following:

● Search engines rely on algorithms to

find and present relevant results as

quickly as possible

● Social media platforms use algorithms

to prioritize the content that we see in

our feeds, taking into account factors

like our past behavior, the popularity of

posts, and relevance.

 ● With the help of algorithms, navigation

apps determine the most efficient route

for us to reach our destination.

Note

It is important to keep in mind that we

cannot call a set of instructions an algorithm

unless it has all the following properties:

● It must be correct. In other words, it

should take a given problem and

provide the right answer or result, even

if it stops working due to an error.

● It must consist of clear, practical steps

that can be completed in a limited time,

 whether by a person or the machine that

must execute the algorithm. For

example, the instructions in a cookie

recipe might be considered sufficiently

concrete for a human cook, but they

would not be specific enough for

programming an automated

cookie-making machine.

● There should be no confusion about

which step comes next, even if

choices must be made (e.g., when using

“if” statements).
 ● It must have a set number of steps

(not an infinite number) that can be

managed using loops (statements

describing repeated actions or

iterations).

● It must eventually reach an endpoint

and not get stuck in a never-ending

loop.

How do algorithms work?

Algorithms use a set of initial data or input,

process it through a series of logical steps

or rules, and produce the output (i.e., the

outcome, decision, or result).

are doing so. While it may seem to come

naturally to us, for example, deciding what

to wear in the morning is a complex

decision involving many steps. If you had to

write down your process in detail, you

would end up with an algorithm, which

could look something like this:

1. Identify which clothes are clean.

 2. Consider the weather forecast for the

day.

3. Consider the occasion for which you

are getting dressed (e.g., work or school

etc.).

4. Consider personal preferences (e.g.,

style or which items match).

All of this can be represented with data,

either as words (e.g., “casual”) or numbers

(e.g., the temperature), which can serve as

input for your decision. The next step is

processing these input quantities. If you

had to write this down, it would include

statements like “If it’s below 50 degrees,

pick out a sweater and put it on” or “If it’s

sunny, grab sunglasses and put them on.”

After getting dressed, we step out of the

house, which is the output of our

getting-dressed algorithm.

In mathematics, algorithms are standard

methods for performing calculations or

solving equations because they are

efficient, reliable, and applicable to various

situations.

Example standard algorithm for addition

In mathematics, a standard algorithm

refers to a specific, well-defined set of steps

or procedures used to solve mathematical

problems of a particular type. Different

places in the world use different algorithms,

so every school system may teach this

concept differently. In the United States,

schools use a standard algorithm based on

place value and the properties of operations

for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and

division.
Suppose you want to add the numbers 345

and 278. You would follow a set of steps

(i.e., the standard algorithm for addition):

1. Write down the numbers so the

digits align.

2. Start from the rightmost digits (the

ones place) and add them together:

5 + 8 = 13. Write down the 3 and

carry over the 1 to the next column.

3. Move to the next column (the tens

place) and add the digits along with

the carried-over value: 4 + 7 + 1 =

 12. Write down the 2 and carry over

the 1 to the next column.

4. Move to the leftmost column (the

hundreds place) and add the digits

along with the carried-over value: 3 +

2 + 1 = 6. Write down the 6.

The final result is 623

Navigation systems are another example of

the use of algorithms. Such systems use

algorithms to help you find the easiest and

fastest route to your destination while

avoiding traffic jams and roadblocks.

Example of algorithm: Navigation systems

The algorithms used in navigation systems

like Google Maps are essentially the brains

of these apps. These algorithms use a

wealth of data, including detailed maps and

live traffic updates, to determine the best

way to get where you want to go. They

consider factors like how far you need to

travel or which roads are busy.

If there are any unexpected problems, such

as accidents on a given route, algorithms

quickly recalculate and suggest alternate

routes to avoid delays; this ensures that

you don’t waste time in traffic. They also

provide you with step-by-step directions so

you know exactly where to turn. These

algorithms learn from how people use them

and therefore keep getting better at finding

the quickest routes.