Technology Fundamentals
Algorithm
Definition
An algorithm is a finite sequence of well-defined, computer-implementable instructions, typically to solve a class of problems or to perform a computation. It is a step-by-step procedure for calculations.
Why It Matters
Algorithms are the building blocks of all computer programs. They provide the logic that tells a computer how to perform a task, from sorting a list of names to recommending products on an e-commerce site.
Contextual Example
Google's search algorithm analyzes hundreds of factors to determine which web pages are most relevant to a user's query and presents them in a ranked order.
Common Misunderstandings
- Algorithms are not the same as code. An algorithm is the logical concept, while code is its implementation in a specific programming language.
- They are not always complex. A simple recipe for baking a cake is a type of algorithm.