What exactly is an ALGORITHM anyway?
@lookatdesktop (27134)
Dallas, Texas
April 29, 2017 10:35am CST
They use this term loosely on television and it seems to be a NERD reference term.
I wanted to find out exactly what an algorithm was or is, and see if I can make it more clear as to what such a formula might be listed as in a Google search so here is what I came up with:
This is the link that seems to be Google's top choice in terms of relevance to the term algorithm defined:
and to use my favorite online source WIKIPEDIA the online encyclopedia:
In short, what I gather from reading the information from Wikipedia:
In my own words, the basic language in computer programming sets the precedent for an algorithm. The IF - THEN statement in BASIC computer code.
It is frankly hard for me to describe and if anyone can help by adding more to this subject please do so in your comments for this discussion. I am sure there are a number of well educated computer GEEKS and MATH WIZARDS here who might want to provide more light on this subject in a way simple minds would be able to grasp the concept of it.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search For other uses, see Algorithm (disambiguation). Flow chart of an algorithm (Euclid's algorithm) for calculating the greatest common divisor (g.c.d.) of two numbers a and b in locations named
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6 responses
@Daljinder (23236)
• Bangalore, India
8 May 17
It is a simple set of sequential instructions to help you follow and understand easily the procedure of task required. For example: How to make a tea?
1. Start
2. Gather the ingredients and utensils
3. Light / Switch on the stove
4. Put the pot/ kettle on the stove
5. Pour a cup of water in pot/ kettle
6. Put sugar, tea leaves in pot/ kettle
7. Pour milk in pot/ kettle
8. Let it boil
9. Switch off stove
10. Finish
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)@lookatdesktop (27134)
• Dallas, Texas
8 May 17
I like the way you did this. It is easy and straightforward.
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@crossbones27 (49491)
• Mojave, California
29 Apr 17
I always thought of a algorithm as an automated system.
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@crossbones27 (49491)
• Mojave, California
6 May 17
@lookatdesktop So true, thanks for explaining in a simple way for people like me. 
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@lookatdesktop (27134)
• Dallas, Texas
6 May 17
I have too. I think it can be generated by a formula that can be some type of math that can be used by a computer to generate stuff like FRACTALS which is a geometric pattern similar to a kaliedescope.
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@BarBaraPrz (47392)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
29 Apr 17
So, BASICally, you're saying IF you ask this question THEN someone will answer it? 
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@suripunj (956)
• New Delhi, India
29 Apr 17
let me explain:It is step by step instruction given to computer to accomplish certain task.
In your attached extract from wiki at the left side you can see the flowchart which is the diagrammatic representation of the instruction(algorithm).You can give instruction to computer in language the computer understand or in the language which can be translated into machine(computer) language.
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@lookatdesktop (27134)
• Dallas, Texas
6 May 17
That makes sense. Then is COBOL one of these computer languages? A Metalanguage so to speak?
@pgntwo (22408)
• Derry, Northern Ireland
29 Apr 17
An algorithm is a bit like a recipe - see it as a set of instructions for performing a particular task.
In my day, we started by describing the process for making a cup of tea, and that was the basis for the first few weeks of our algorithm design course. It was fun.
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@lookatdesktop (27134)
• Dallas, Texas
6 May 17
Now that is my cup of tea, metaphorically.
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@pgntwo (22408)
• Derry, Northern Ireland
6 May 17
@lookatdesktop They didn't have virtual (metaphorical) tea back then. Thankfully.
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@lookatdesktop (27134)
• Dallas, Texas
7 May 17
@pgntwo Of course they would have to tax it if they did. 
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@april_ang (578)
•
30 Apr 17
its very popular in programming and computer world..
but actually its a term of a way on thinking about how to do things..a step by step process how to achieve something.. a technique..a trick..
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@lookatdesktop (27134)
• Dallas, Texas
6 May 17
Then it is kind of like a blue print right?
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