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Computer Science SSC II Notes - AKUEB
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7.2.1 Define an algorithm;
Algorithm:
An algorithm
is a step-by-step procedure or a set of well-defined rules for solving a
specific problem or accomplishing a particular task. It is a precise and
unambiguous description of a computational process that takes an input,
performs a series of operations or computations, and produces an output.
Algorithms serve as the foundation for computer programming and
problem-solving. They provide a systematic approach to solving problems by
breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps. Algorithms can be
expressed in various forms, including pseudocode, flowcharts, or programming
languages.
Key characteristics
of algorithm: [Extra Knowledge]
a. Well-defined steps: Each step
of the algorithm must be precisely defined and unambiguous. It should be clear
what operations or actions need to be performed at each stage.
b. Finite execution: An
algorithm must eventually terminate after a finite number of steps. It should
not enter an infinite loop or continue indefinitely.
c. Deterministic: The
behavior of the algorithm should be predictable and reproducible. Given the
same input, it should always produce the same output and follow the same
sequence of steps.
d. Input and output: An
algorithm takes input values or data, performs computations or operations on
them, and produces an output or a result.
e. Efficiency: Algorithms
can be evaluated based on their efficiency, such as how much time or
computational resources they require to solve a problem. Efficient algorithms
aim to minimize resource usage and execution time
Algorithms are used in various areas of
computer science, including sorting and searching data, graph traversal,
encryption and decryption, path-finding, machine learning, and many other
computational tasks. They are essential tools for designing and implementing
software systems and solving complex problems in a systematic and efficient
manner.
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