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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 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 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 depend only 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 an algorithm for some
            problems.




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