Algorithm
A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or accomplishing a task.
Algorithm
An algorithm is a finite sequence of well-defined, computer-implementable instructions, typically used to solve a class of problems or to perform a computation.
Algorithms are unambiguous specifications for performing calculations, data processing, automated reasoning, and other tasks. They form the foundation of everything we do in computer science and programming.
A good algorithm generally has the following characteristics:
- Correctness: It should solve the problem it was designed to solve
- Efficiency: It should use computational resources optimally
- Finiteness: It must terminate after a finite number of steps
- Deterministic: Given the same input, it should always produce the same output
Algorithms can be expressed in many ways, including natural language, pseudocode, flowcharts, and programming languages. The efficiency of algorithms is typically measured in terms of their time complexity (how long they take to run) and space complexity (how much memory they require).
Examples
- Sorting algorithms arrange items in a specific order (e.g., Bubble Sort, Quick Sort)
- Search algorithms locate items within a data structure (e.g., Binary Search)
- Graph algorithms find paths, connectivity, or properties of graphs (e.g., Dijkstra's algorithm)
- String matching algorithms find patterns in text (e.g., Boyer-Moore algorithm)
Related Terms
Big O Notation
A mathematical notation that describes the limiting behavior of a function when the argument tends towards infinity.
Time Complexity
A measure of the amount of time an algorithm takes to complete as a function of the length of the input.
Space Complexity
A measure of the amount of memory an algorithm uses as a function of the length of the input.
Further Learning
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