What is an algorithm?

When you hear algorithm, it sounds intimidating and makes the person using the term really smart.

But what is an algorithm?

In simple terms, it just means an “Instruction”, “Steps” or “Recipe” for computers and machines, nothing more. In fact, if you look up the word “algorithm” from English language dictionary, it is defined as:

“a process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer.” — Definitions from Oxford Languages

So, basically, it is recipe for computer to do things, specifically doing calculations, that is what they are good for.

But the process of making complex real-world problems into simpler, mathematical recipe is the hardest part, and specially when you want your instruction to be more efficient and fast, so the computer can finish the job with high efficiency and get the result.

I will be writing about different phases algorithm development on my next post…