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Algorithm: Expressing Algorithms

An algorithm is a set of well-defined steps to solve a problem, starting from an initial state and terminating in a final state, and can be expressed through various notations like pseudocode, flowcharts, or programming languages to define or document the algorithmic process. Algorithms incorporate various computational methods and can incorporate randomness to transition between states for problems involving calculation, data processing, and other applications. Each algorithm provides instructions to complete a defined task from start to finish.

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60 views

Algorithm: Expressing Algorithms

An algorithm is a set of well-defined steps to solve a problem, starting from an initial state and terminating in a final state, and can be expressed through various notations like pseudocode, flowcharts, or programming languages to define or document the algorithmic process. Algorithms incorporate various computational methods and can incorporate randomness to transition between states for problems involving calculation, data processing, and other applications. Each algorithm provides instructions to complete a defined task from start to finish.

Uploaded by

Sadia Aslam
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Algorithm

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an algorithm that tries to figure out why the lamp doesn't turn on and tries to fix it using the steps. Flowcharts are
often used to represent algorithms graphically.

In mathematics, computer science, and related subjects, an algorithm (derived from the name


of Persian mathematician al-Khwārizmī) is an effective method for solving a problem expressed as a finite
sequence of steps. Algorithms are used for calculation, data processing, and many other fields. (In more
advanced or abstract settings, the instructions do not necessarily constitute a finite sequence, and even not
necessarily a sequence; see, e.g., "nondeterministic algorithm".)

Each algorithm is a list of well-defined instructions for completing a task. Starting from an initial state, the
instructions describe a computation that proceeds through a well-defined series of successive states,
eventually terminating in a final ending state. The transition from one state to the next is not
necessarily deterministic; some algorithms, known as randomized algorithms, incorporate randomness.

Expressing algorithms

Algorithms can be expressed in many kinds of notations:


- Natural language expressions of algorithms tend to be verbose and ambiguous, and
are rarely used for complex or technical algorithms. 
- Pseudocode and flowcharts are structured ways to express algorithms that avoid the
ambiguities, while remaining independent of a particular implementation language. 
- Programming languages are primarily intended for expressing algorithms in a form
that can be executed by a computer, but are often used as a way to define or document
algorithms.

http://www.scriptol.com/programming/algorithm-definition.php#Expressing-algorithms

Let's say that you have a friend arriving at the airport, and your friend needs to get from the airport to your
house. Here are four different algorithms that you might give your friend for getting to your home:
 The taxi algorithm:
1. Go to the taxi stand.
2. Get in a taxi.
3. Give the driver my address.
 The call-me algorithm:
1. When your plane arrives, call my cell phone.
2. Meet me outside baggage claim.
 The rent-a-car algorithm:
1. Take the shuttle to the rental car place.
2. Rent a car.
3. Follow the directions to get to my house.
 The bus algorithm:
1. Outside baggage claim, catch bus number 70.
2. Transfer to bus 14 on Main Street.
3. Get off on Elm street.
4. Walk two blocks north to my house.
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/question717.htm

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