What Is an “Algorithm”?
An algorithm is a set of instructions or steps that are followed in order to solve a problem. It can be used for any type of task, from simple calculations to complex data analysis and artificial intelligence applications. Algorithms are designed to take input data, process it according to the instructions given, and produce an output result. The goal of an algorithm is usually either accuracy or efficiency; depending on the application, one may be more important than the other.
Algorithms have been around since ancient times when they were used by mathematicians such as Euclid and Archimedes for solving mathematical problems. Today algorithms are widely used in computer science and engineering fields where they form the basis for many software programs and systems. They are also increasingly being applied in areas such as finance, healthcare, transportation planning, logistics management etc., due to their ability to quickly analyze large amounts of data with high accuracy levels.