ALGORITHM

Algorithm

An algorithm is a sequence of unambiguous instructions for solving a problem for obtaining a required output for legitimate input in  a finite amount of time. 

Features of an algorithm

Every Algorithm must satisfy the following:

          1.    Input-Zero or more quantities are externally supplied.

          2.    Output-At least one quantity is produced.

          3.    Definiteness-Each instruction is clear and well defined.

          4.    Finiteness-The algorithm terminates after a finite number of steps.

          5.    Correctness-Every step of the algorithm must generate a correct    output.

Advantages

•        It is not dependent on any programming language, so it is easy to   understand for anyone.
•      It is a stepwise representation of a solution to a given problem.
•      An algorithm uses a definite procedure.

Disadvantages

•         It is time consuming
•          Big task are difficult to put in algorithm.

     

Notation of an algorithm

Methods of Specifying an Algorithm

  There are two operations for specifying an algorithm,

                                                       

        i.     Using natural language

        ii.    Using Pseudo code

Using natural language

     Using a natural language make a brief and clear description of algorithms is difficult.

Using pseudocode

       A pseudocode is a mixture of a natural language and programming language.

•  A pseudo code is more accurate than a natural language
•  And the usage yields more succinct algorithm description.

           In earlier days flow charts were used for specifying an algorithm.Flowchart is a method of expressing an algorithm graphically.Flowchart is very complex for larger problem.

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