Algorithm
It is a well-defined series of actions to solve a predetermined problem or reach a goal.
A computer program can be thought of as a detailed algorithm. In mathematics and computer science, an algorithm generally means a small procedure that solves a recurring problem.
Algorithms are widely used in the field of Information Technology. For example, a search engine algorithm takes sequences of keywords and operators as input, then searches the associated database for relevant web pages and returns the results.
Characteristics of Algorithms
There are some features that well-defined algorithms should have. For an algorithm to be an algorithm, the following 5 features must be met.
- There should be input and output.
- Definiteness
- Efficiency
- Finiteness
- Achievement and Performance
Some Important Types of Algorithms
Search Algorithms:
Search algorithms are algorithms used to find the desired data according to the desired features in a data set.
In computer science, the basic difference between a faster application and a slower application during a data search is generally whether a suitable search algorithm is used or not.
Sorting Algorithms:
Sort algorithms are algorithms used to rearrange and sort the items of a list in a certain order like alphabetical or from highest to lowest.
Encryption Algorithms:
Encryption algorithms are used to convert data into an encrypted text. The algorithm uses the encryption key to change the data in a predictable way so that even if the encrypted data looks random, it can be converted back to plain text using the decryption key.
Compression Algorithms:
Compression algorithms are used to reduce the amount of memory needed to store the number of bytes representing the data. The main goal in file compression is to make them more portable by shrinking their size. They are also used to restore the data to its previous state.
