An algorithm is a finite sequence of rigorous instructions that are used to solve a specific problem or perform a computation. Algorithms are used as specifications for performing calculations and are essential to the way computers process data. They act as an exact list of instructions that conduct specified actions step by step in either hardware- or software-based routines. Algorithms are widely used throughout all areas of IT, including mathematics, computer programming, and computer science. They are also used as specifications for performing data processing and play a major role in automated systems. Algorithms can be simple or complex, depending on what you want to achieve.
An algorithm typically starts with initial input and instructions that describe a specific computation. When the computation is executed, the process produces an output. Algorithms are used to analyze, process, and extract insights from large amounts of data in fields such as marketing, finance, and healthcare. They are also used for sorting sets of numbers or for more complicated tasks, such as recommending user content on social media.
In addition to being used by technology, humans also use algorithms to perform everyday tasks. For example, making spaghetti requires a certain set of steps that need to be followed in a particular order. However, computers can use algorithms and calculate things better, faster, and more efficiently than humans can.
