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6                    Algorithm and Flowchart














                     Your Aim

                     to learn about:
                            Algorithm                                            Characteristics of a Good Algorithm
                             Uses of an Algorithm                                 and Flowchart
                              Writing an Algorithm                                  Defining Flowcharts
                                Solving Problems using Algorithms and Flowcharts





                  All humans communicate with each other using a language that has many words and tones.

                  Computers communicate and understand only '1' and '0'. We give instructions to the computer
                  in our language but it first converts it into 0 and 1 and then works according to our instructions.
                  Let's know more about all this.
                  In our daily life, we have to solve various problems by using different strategies. These strategies are
                  called problem solving techniques. A problem solving technique is a collection of sequential steps

                  to solve a problem. In the same way, programmers also use different types of techniques to solve
                  the problems related to programming. Some of these techniques are algorithms and flowcharts.
                  In this chapter, we will learn about algorithms, flowcharts and programming languages used to
                  develop programs.

                      ALGORITHM


                  As we know that a program is a collection of instructions. The language used to write a program is
                  called a programming language. Before writing a program on the computer, every programmer
                  must analyse the problem and write an algorithm to solve the problem.
                  An algorithm is a set of steps in a sequential manner to solve a problem or to complete a task.

                  The problem can be logical or mathematical. Algorithms are the building blocks of computer
                  programs. They are important to programming as recipes are for cooking. An algorithm is always
                  written in very simple words and precise language so that the steps can be understood easily by

                  everyone.
                  In computer  terms,  'Algorithm  is the sequence of  steps or computer operations  which
                  collectively solve a given problem'.





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