What is an algorithm

What is an algorithm?

A sequence of steps to solve a specific problem or perform a task.

Example of an algorithm.

Recipe for cooking, sorting a list, or finding the shortest path.

True or false: All algorithms are computer programs.

False, because not all algorithms are implemented in code.

Difference between algorithm and program.

An algorithm is a plan; a program is its implementation in code.

Fill in the blank: An algorithm must have a ___ and ___.

clear input and output.

What is a flowchart?

A visual representation of an algorithm using shapes and arrows.

What is pseudocode?

A way to describe algorithms using plain language and structured syntax.

True or false: Algorithms can only process numbers.

False, because algorithms can handle data types like strings and lists.

What is a sorting algorithm?

An algorithm designed to arrange elements in a list in a specific order.

Examples of sorting algorithms.

Bubble sort, quicksort, merge sort.

Which is NOT a characteristic of an algorithm?

Vagueness; it must be clear and unambiguous.

What does 'efficiency' mean in algorithms?

How fast an algorithm completes a task with minimal resources.

Performance comparison in algorithms.

Evaluated by time complexity and space complexity.

True or false: Algorithms can be recursive.

True, because recursion is a common technique in algorithm design.

What is time complexity?

A measure of the time an algorithm takes to run as a function of input size.

What is space complexity?

A measure of the amount of memory an algorithm uses relative to input size.

Difference between linear and binary search.

Linear search checks each element; binary search divides the list.

Fill in the blank: An algorithm must finish in a ___ time.

finite time.

What is a greedy algorithm?

An algorithm that makes the best choice at each step without backtracking.