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ALGORITHM



                  Before writing a computer program to solve a problem or to perform any task, a programmer
                  writes the steps for the same. Writing a program becomes easy if the algorithm is written first.
                  Algorithms are used in our daily lives, too. For example, a recipe detailing steps to create a dish
                  is also an algorithm.
                  An algorithm is a set of instructions or steps performed in a specific order to solve a problem or

                  to complete a task. In other words, algorithms are the building blocks of computer programs that
                  comprise a sequence of operations  to be performed by the computer in a specific order to solve
                  a problem.





                                 Which algorithm is used by Google Maps?



                  CHARACTERISTICS OF AN ALGORITHM
                  An ideal algorithm has the following characteristics:

                     Input: An algorithm can take input in zeros or greater quantities. It should have well-defined
                    input.

                     Output: At least one result as output is always produced.
                     Definiteness: All instructions given should be clear and easy to understand.

                     Finiteness: It should include a finite number of instructions for completing a task.
                     Effectiveness: It is measured in terms of time and space.
                     Uniqueness: The result of each step should be uniquely identified and only depend on the result

                    of the preceding step.

                  USES OF AN ALGORITHM

                  An algorithm is mainly used for:

                     calculations
                     data processing

                     decision-making

                  Algorithms make decision-making more consistent and efficient.




                             WRITING AN ALGORITHM

                  Algorithm  provides  a step-by-step  solution  to  the  problem.  Let’s  write  algorithms  for some
                  problems.



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