Algorithms

An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or set of rules used to solve a problem or perform a task. It is a precise sequence of instructions that takes an input, processes it, and produces an output.

Key Characteristics of Algorithms:

  1. Definiteness – Each step is clearly defined.
  2. Input – Takes zero or more inputs.
  3. Output – Produces at least one output.
  4. Finiteness – Must complete in a limited number of steps.
  5. Effectiveness – Each step should be simple and executable.

Examples of Algorithms:

  • Sorting algorithms (e.g., Bubble Sort, Quick Sort) – Used to arrange data in a specific order.
  • Search algorithms (e.g., Binary Search, Linear Search) – Used to find an element in a dataset.
  • Pathfinding algorithms (e.g., Dijkstra’s Algorithm, A*) – Used in navigation and AI to find the shortest path.
  • Machine Learning algorithms (e.g., Decision Trees, Neural Networks) – Used for pattern recognition and AI tasks.

Would you like an example of an algorithm in a specific language or for a specific problem?