Chapter 7
Algorithms
What is Algorithm? Algorithm Basics
• The word Algorithm means “a process or
set of rules to be followed in calculations
or other problem-solving operations”.
• Algorithm refers to a set of
rules/instructions that step-by-step
define how a work is to be executed
upon in order to get the expected
results.
It can be understood by taking an example of
cooking a new recipe.
To cook a new recipe, one reads the instructions and
steps and execute them one by one, in the given
sequence. Algorithm in
The result thus obtained is the new dish cooked General Life
perfectly.
Similarly, algorithms help to do a task in
programming to get the expected output.
Pseudocode:
Pseudocode is a simple way of writing
programming code in English. Pseudocode is not
actual programming language. It uses short
phrases to write code for programs before you
actually createit in a specific language.
Examples of Pseudocode:
Let'sreviewan example of pseudocode to
create a program to add 2 numbers together and then display the
result.
Start Program
Enter two numbers, A, B
Add the numbers together
Print Sum
End Program
Examples of Pseudocode:
Here is a pseudocode to compute the area of a rectangle:
Get the length, l, and width, w
Compute the area = l*w
Display the area
Characteristics of an Algorithm
• Clear and Unambiguous:
Algorithm should be clear and unambiguous. Each of its steps
should be clear in all aspects and must lead to only one meaning.
• Well-Defined Inputs:
If an algorithm says to take inputs, it should be well-defined
inputs.
• Well-Defined Outputs:
The algorithm must clearly define what output will be yielded and
it should be well-defined as well.
• Finite-ness:
The algorithm must be finite, i.e. it should not end up in an
infinite loops or similar.
Characteristics of an Algorithm
• Feasible:
The algorithm must be simple, generic and practical, such
that it can be executed upon will the available resources. It
must not contain some future technology.
• Language Independent:
The Algorithm designed must be language-independent, i.e.
it must be just plain instructions that can be implemented in
any language, and yet the output will be same, as expected.
Advantages of Algorithms
It helps to understand the problem.
Algorithm is a step-wise representation of a solution to a
given problem.
In Algorithm the problem is broken down into smaller pieces
or steps hence, it is easier for the programmer to convert it
into an actual program.
How to Design an Algorithm?
In order to write an algorithm, following steps are needed as a pre-
requisite:
1. The problem that is to be solved by this algorithm.
2. The constraints of the problem that must be considered while solving the
problem.
3. The input to be taken to solve the problem.
4. The output to be expected when the problem the is solved.
5. The solution to this problem, in the given constraints.
Add 3 numbers Example
Step 1: Fulfilling the pre-requisites
• The problem that is to be solved by this algorithm: Add 3 numbers and
print their sum.
• The constraints of the problem that must be considered while solving the
problem: The numbers must contain only digits and no other characters.
• The input to be taken to solve the problem: The three numbers to be
added.
• The output to be expected when the problem the is solved: The sum of
the three numbers taken as the input.
• The solution to this problem, in the given constraints: The solution
consists of adding the 3 numbers. It can be done with the help of ‘+’
operator, or bit-wise, or any other method.
Continue….
Step 2: Designing the algorithm
Now let’s design the algorithm with the help of above pre-requisites:
Algorithm to add 3 numbers and print their sum:
• START
• Declare 3 integer variables num1, num2 and num3.
• Take the three numbers, to be added, as inputs in variables num1, num2, and num3
respectively.
• Declare an integer variable sum to store the resultant sum of the 3 numbers.
• Add the 3 numbers and store the result in the variable sum.
• Print the value of variable sum
• END
Continue….
Step 3: Testing the
algorithm by
implementing it.
Continue…
Questions
1. Define an algorithm.
2. What is pseudocode? Give an example
3. List the characteristics of an algorithm.
4. What are the advantages & disadvantages of an algorithm?
5. Design an algorithm to add 2 numbers and print their sum
6. Design an algorithm to multiply 3 numbers and print the result
7. Design an algorithm to calculate rectangle area / circle area etc.
