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Whats-an-Algorithm

An algorithm is a finite set of clear instructions designed to achieve a specific goal, essential in computer science for solving problems efficiently. Good algorithms possess characteristics such as finiteness, definiteness, specified inputs and outputs, and effectiveness. They have applications in both computer-related tasks, like search engines and data sorting, and non-computer tasks, such as cooking and navigation.

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MERRY LEE LATIC
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
7 views

Whats-an-Algorithm

An algorithm is a finite set of clear instructions designed to achieve a specific goal, essential in computer science for solving problems efficiently. Good algorithms possess characteristics such as finiteness, definiteness, specified inputs and outputs, and effectiveness. They have applications in both computer-related tasks, like search engines and data sorting, and non-computer tasks, such as cooking and navigation.

Uploaded by

MERRY LEE LATIC
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What's an Algorithm?

Definition of an Algorithm

 An algorithm is a finite set of unambiguous instructions that achieve a


particular goal.
 - Fundamental in computer science
 - Used to solve problems and perform tasks efficiently.
Real-Life Example

 Making a spaghetti:
 - Break the task into specific, step-by-step instructions.
 - Highlights the importance of precision and clarity in algorithms.
Characteristics of a Good Algorithm

 1. Finiteness: The algorithm must have a clear endpoint.


 2. Definiteness: Each step must be precisely defined.
 3. Input and Output: Algorithms should have specified inputs and
produce expected outputs.
 4. Effectiveness: Steps should be simple enough to carry out.
Importance in Computer Science

 - Algorithms are the building blocks of computer programs.


 - Enable computers to perform complex tasks by breaking them down
into manageable steps.
Real-Life Applications - Non-Computer
Related
 1. Cooking Recipes: A series of steps to prepare a dish.
 2. Driving Directions: Sequential steps to navigate from one location to
another.
Real-Life Applications - Computer
Related
 1. Search Engines: Algorithms rank web pages to deliver relevant
results.
 2. Data Sorting: Quick Sort, Merge Sort, and other algorithms organize
data efficiently.
Conclusion

 Understanding algorithms is crucial for problem-solving and decision-


making in various fields.

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