What are Algorithms?

In basic terms, an algorithm is a series of instructions that are followed to do something. In computing, algorithms provide computers with a guide to complete an action or multiple actions.

A computer program is an algorithm, written in a programming language, that a computer can understand and execute. Computer algorithms need to be precise, you’ll usually “if”, “then” or “else” inside a computer algorithm. If the algorithm isn’t specific, the algorithm usually fails meaning the output of the algorithm will not be what it is supposed to be!

There are different types of algorithms that are meant to handle different tasks. Here are a few different types of computing algorithms:

Sort Algorithms - this type of algorithm is used to rearrange a given array or list elements using a comparison operator on the given elements.

Search Algorithms - this type of algorithm is used to locate specific data inside a collection of data.

Hashing Algorithm - This type of algorithm is used to encrypt data. It inserts random characters into a given input and outputs the hashed input.

I hope you have learned a little from this high level overview of algorithms! Thanks for stopping by!