This document provides an introduction to algorithms including definitions, characteristics, and the design process. It defines an algorithm as a finite set of unambiguous instructions to solve a problem. Key points:
- Algorithms must have input, output, be definitive, finite, and effective.
- The design process includes understanding the problem, developing a solution algorithm, proving correctness, analyzing efficiency, and coding.
- Examples of algorithm types are approximate, probabilistic, infinite, and heuristic.
- Pseudocode is commonly used to specify algorithms more clearly than natural language alone.