What is Computer algorithm?
We explain what a computer algorithm is and what it is for. Characteristics and parts of an algorithm. Practical examples.
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What is an algorithm?
In computing , an algorithm is a sequence of sequential instructions , thanks to which certain processes can be carried out and respond to certain needs or decisions. These are ordered and finite sets of steps, which allow us to solve a problem or make a decision .
The algorithms do not have to do with programming languages , since the same algorithm or flowchart can be represented in different programming languages , that is, it is an ordering prior to programming .
Seen this way, a program is nothing more than a complex series of algorithms ordered and coded by means of a programming language for later execution on a computer .
Algorithms are also common in mathematics and logic , and are the basis of making user manuals, instruction booklets, etc . Its name comes from the Latin algorithmus and this last name of the Persian mathematician Al-Juarismi. One of the best known algorithms of mathematics is that attributed to Euclid, to obtain the greatest common divisor of two positive integers, or the so-called “Gaussian method” to solve systems of linear equations.
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Parts of an algorithm
Every algorithm must consist of the following parts:
- Input or input . The input of the data that the algorithm needs to operate.
- Process . This is the formal logical operation that the algorithm will undertake with the input received.
- Output or output . The results obtained from the process on the input, once the execution of the algorithm is finished.
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What is an algorithm for?
Simply put, an algorithm serves to solve a problem step by step . It is a series of ordered and sequenced instructions to guide a particular process.
In Computer Science , however, algorithms constitute the skeleton of the processes that will then be encoded and programmed to be performed by the computer.
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Types of algorithms
There are four types of computer algorithms:
- Computational algorithms . An algorithm whose resolution depends on the calculation, and which can be developed by a calculator or computer without difficulties.
- No computational algorithms . Those who do not require the processes of a computer to resolve, or whose steps are exclusive to the resolution by a human being .
- Qualitative algorithms . It is an algorithm whose resolution does not involve numerical calculations, but logical and / or formal sequences.
- Quantitative algorithms . On the contrary, it is an algorithm that depends on mathematical calculations to find its resolution.
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Characteristics of the algorithms
The algorithms have the following characteristics:
- Sequential . The algorithms operate in sequence, must be processed one at a time.
- Accurate . The algorithms must be precise in their approach to the subject, that is, they cannot be ambiguous or subjective.
- Ordered . The algorithms must be established in the precise and exact sequence so that their reading makes sense and the problem is solved.
- Finite . Every sequence of algorithms must have a specific purpose, it cannot be extended to infinity.
- Concrete . Every algorithm must offer a result based on the functions it fulfills.
- Defined . The same algorithm before the same input elements must always give the same results.
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Algorithm Examples
A couple of possible examples of algorithm are:
Algorithm to choose some party shoes :
- START
- Enter the store and look for the men’s shoes section.
- Take a pair of shoes.
- Are they party shoes?
YES: (go to step 5) – NO: (go back to step 3)
- Are there the right size?
YES: (go to step 6) – NO: (go back to step 3)
- Is the price payable?
YES: (go to step 7) – NO: (go back to step 3)
- Buy the chosen pair of shoes.
- FINISH
Algorithm to calculate the area of a right triangle :
- START
- Find the measurements of the base (b) and height (h)
- Multiply: base by height (bxh)
- Divide the result by 2 (bxh) / 2
- FINISH