Question

What is an algorithm?

Short answer

Answer: An algorithm is a well-defined, step-by-step procedure to solve a specific problem or perform a specific task, consisting of a finite sequence of instructions that take a set of input values to produce a corresponding output. Its key properties include being unambiguous, finite, effective, having well-defined inputs and outputs, and being independent of any specific programming language or computer platform.

Step-by-step solution

Definition

An algorithm is a well-defined, step-by-step procedure to solve a specific problem or perform a specific task. It consists of a finite sequence of instructions that take a set of input values to produce a corresponding output.

Key properties

The following are some key properties of an algorithm: 1. \textbf{Unambiguous}: Each step of the algorithm should be clear and have only one meaning. 2. \textbf{Finite}: The algorithm should consist of a finite number of steps to reach a solution. 3. \textbf{Effective}: Each step of the algorithm should be simple and easy to execute, making it possible to solve the problem efficiently. 4. \textbf{Input}: The algorithm should have a well-defined set of inputs to work with. 5. \textbf{Output}: The algorithm should produce a well-defined output based on the given inputs. 6. \textbf{Independent}: The algorithm should be independent of any specific programming language or computer platform.