🌵 Algorithms

A process or set of clearly defined rules followed to support calculations or problem solving.

Characteristics

Finiteness - Finite number of steps
Unambiguous - Steps must be clear and lead to one meaning
• Clearly defined inputs and outputs
• Logical sequencing of steps
• Iteration - repetition of steps until results achieved
• Selection - input leading to choice of step
• Structured English

Application

When can this be used?

• Automate calculations to improve efficiency of a process
• Design a step by step solution to solve a problem
• Supports machine learning for data analysis

Forms

Algorithms can come in different forms. For example, a flow chart can be one way of displaying an algorithm.

Flow chart symbols:

A basic example of a flow cart for making tea is: