Computer Science

Algorithm, explained

An algorithm is a precise procedure for solving a problem or computing a result.

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Part of the Semantic Notion technical glossary.

Short Definition

An algorithm is a precise procedure for solving a problem or computing a result.

Intuition

It is a recipe that tells a computer what steps to follow.

Technical Definition

An algorithm is a finite, well-defined sequence of operations that transforms inputs into outputs under specified conditions.

Example

Binary search is an algorithm for finding an item in a sorted list.

Common Misunderstandings

An algorithm is not necessarily machine learning.

The same problem can have many algorithms with different tradeoffs.

Same Category

More from Computer Science

Byzantine Fault ToleranceByzantine fault tolerance is the ability of a distributed system to keep working even when some nodes behave arbitrarily or maliciously.CacheA cache stores recently or frequently used data in a faster location so future access is quicker.Cache CoherenceCache coherence is the property that multiple caches maintain a consistent view of shared data.CAP TheoremCAP theorem says a distributed data system cannot simultaneously guarantee consistency, availability, and partition tolerance during a network partition.ConcurrencyConcurrency is the ability of a system to make progress on multiple tasks during overlapping time periods.ConsensusConsensus is the process by which distributed nodes agree on a value or sequence of decisions despite failures.

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Essays that use this concept

Computer ScienceThe Byzantine Generals Problem

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