Algorithm

Algorithm: It is a sequence of instructions (or set of instructions) to make a program more readable. It is a process used to answer a question. In simple words an algorithm is a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem. Algorithms can be expressed in any language, from natural languages like English to programming languages like C. We use algorithms every day. For example, a recipe for baking a cake is an algorithm. Most programs consist of algorithms. Making algorithm is one of the principal challenges in programming language. An algorithm must always terminate after a finite number of steps. Simple example of algorithm to add two numbers:

                        An algorithm must have one starting point and one or more ending point. Its starting point can be labeled as START and its ending point can be labeled as STOP. Here is example of one starting point and one ending point.

Example of adding two numbers:

Step 1: Start.

Step 2: Take three variables named num1, num2, num3.

Step 3: Input the values in two variables: num1 = 10, num2 = 5.

Step 4: Now add num1 & num2 and put its value to num3: num3 = num1 + num2. Here both operands num1 and num2 are added and its combined value is assigned to num3.

Step 5: Now print the value of num3. Your result is displayed on the screen.

Step 6: Stop.

Example of finding bigger number between two numbers with one START and two STOP:

Step 1: START.

Step 2: Take two variables named num1, num2.

Step 3: Read num1 and num2.

Step 4: if num1>num2 then

Step 5: print num1.

Step 6: STOP.

Step 7: else

Step 8: print num2.

Step 9: STOP.