Algorithm

An algorithm is a finite, rigorous set of instructions designed to solve a specific problem or perform a computation (e.g., Google's PageRank for search ranking).

An algorithm is the core blueprint for computation: a rigorous, finite sequence of well-defined steps. Its function is to systematically process an input and produce a desired output, ensuring a specific problem is solved or a calculation is performed (e.g., sorting 10 million data points). Historically, the Euclidean algorithm (c. 300 BC) demonstrated this logic by finding the greatest common divisor. Today, algorithms are fundamental to everything from securing global data (RSA encryption) to optimizing logistics (Dijkstra’s algorithm). We analyze their efficiency using Big O notation (e.g., a fast Quicksort averages O(n log n) complexity): performance is key.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algorithm