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Algorithms and


                       Flowcharts                                                          3












                          Learning Outcomes



                              Algorithm                                      Characteristics of a Good Algorithm

                              Uses of an Algorithm                           Writing an Algorithm

                              Defining Flowchart
                              Solving Problems Using Algorithm and Flowchart






                  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  and  flowcharts  used  to  develop
                  programs.

                   i +  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.

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


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