Algorithm

What is an Algorithm?

An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or set of instructions designed to solve a problem or accomplish a task in a finite number of steps. It’s written in clear, simple language so humans can understand the logic before coding it.

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Characteristics of a Good Algorithm

An algorithm should have these properties:

• Unambiguous: Every step must be clear with only one interpretation.

• Input: It can have zero or more well-defined inputs.

• Output: It must produce at least one output.

• Finiteness: It must finish after a finite number of steps.

• Feasibility: It should be practical to implement.

• Language-independent: It should not depend on any specific programming language.

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Advantages of Algorithms

Algorithms help in problem solving because:

• They are easy to understand.

• They provide a clear sequence of steps for problem solving.

• They are independent of programming languages.

• They simplify converting logic into actual programs.

• They help break complex problems into simpler steps.

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Disadvantages of Algorithms

While useful, algorithms have some downsides:

• Writing detailed algorithms can be time-consuming.

• Large algorithms can become complex.

• They are not suitable for representing loop behavior visually without flowcharts.

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🧠 Typical Example — Algorithm to Add Two Numbers

Here’s a simple algorithm example (common in O Level notes):

1. Start

2. Input two numbers A and B

3. Compute Sum ← A + B

4. Print Sum

5. Stop