Video
A video that accompanies this page: Introduction to Algorithms
Overview
A programming algorithm (algo) is a set of ordered instructions written in human language or minimal well-defined pseudocode (p-code). (we'll learn about pseudocode soon).
An algorithm is:
- A well defined set of instructions that provide the steps needed to perform a task. What we mean by "well defined" is explicit, detailed and step-by-step.
Algorithms are similar to:
- Cooking recipes
- Assembly instructions (assembling desk, table, bed, toy ...)
In fact, we may use the term algorithm and recipe interchangeably.
Algorithms require both logical and creative thinking. Like coding, they usually require iteration.