In computer programming terms, an algorithm is a set of well-defined instructions to solve a particular problem. It takes a set of input and produces a desired output. For example,
An algorithm to add two numbers:
Take two number inputs
Add numbers using the + operator
Display the result
Qualities of Good Algorithms
Input and output should be defined precisely.
Each step in the algorithm should be clear and unambiguous.
Algorithms should be most effective among many different ways to solve a problem.
An algorithm shouldn't include computer code. Instead, the algorithm should be written in such a way that it can be used in different programming languages.
Algorithm Examples
Algorithm to add two numbers
Algorithm to find the largest among three numbers
Algorithm to find all the roots of the quadratic equation
Algorithm to find the factorial
Algorithm to check prime number
Algorithm of Fibonacci series
Algorithm 1: Add two numbers entered by the user
Step 1: Start
Step 2: Declare variables num1, num2 and sum.
Step 3: Read values num1 and num2.
Step 4: Add num1 and num2 and assign the result to sum.
sum←num1+num2
Step 5: Display sum
Step 6: Stop
