Algorithm

 Algorithms

We can say in a simple way that 'An algorithm' is a set of step by step instructions for solving a problem to achieve  a result. Algorithms are especially important to computers  because computer are general purpose machines for solving problems. In order for a computer useful, we must give it a problem to solve and a technique for solving the problem. Writing a computer a program is actually describing the solution in a computer language. Once you to got the proper solution it is easy to convert it to a programming language, but formulating the proper solution is the difficult part.

Characteristics of an algorithm

• An algorithm is well-ordered.
• An algorithm has unambiguous operations.
• An algorithm has effectively computable operations.
• An algorithm produces a result.
• An algorithm halts in a finite amount of time.

Representations of Algorithm

1. Flowcharts
2. Pseudo code

   Flowcharts

We can use a flow chart to describe an algorithm by showing how problem solution proceeds step by step. Here we use standard symbols that depicts a process, a decision, input/output etc.

Flow chart Symbols and their Functions

   Pseudo code

Pseudo code is textual method that represents algorithm. Pseudo code is more concise  and clear than  structured English.