Ans:
- An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure to solve a problem in a finite number of steps.
- Branching and repetition are included in the steps of an algorithm.
- This branching and repetition depend on the problem for which Algorithm is developed.
- All the steps of Algorithm during the definition should be written in a human-understandable language which does not depend on any programming language.
- We can choose any programming language to implement the Algorithm.
- Pseudocode and flow chart are popular ways to represent an algorithm.
An algorithm must satisfy the following criteria:
1. Input: An algorithm should have zero or more but should be a finite number of inputs. We can also say that it is essential for any algorithm before starting. Input should be given to it initially before the Algorithm begins.
2. Output: An algorithm must give at least one required result from the given set of input values. These output values are known as the solution to a problem.
3. Definiteness: Each step must be clear, unambiguous, and precisely defined.
4. Finiteness: Finiteness means Algorithm should be terminated after a finite number of steps. Also, each step should be finished in a finite amount of time.
5. Effectiveness: Each step of the Algorithm must be feasible i.e., it should be practically possible to perform the action. Every Algorithm is generally expected to be effective.
Characteristics of an algorithm:
1). Input: An algorithm must have either 0 or more inputs.
2). Output: An algorithm should have 1 or more desired output.
3). Unambiguous: Every Algorithm should be unambiguous and clear. It means that it’s every step, and input/output should be clear and must have only one meaning.
4). Feasibility: Algorithm should be feasible with the available resource.
5). Finiteness: Algorithm should be terminated after a finite number of steps.
6). Independent: Algorithm should have a step-by-step direction of each level, which is independent of programming language.