Key Features of an Algorithm:
* Clear and Unambiguous: Each step must be precisely defined and understood.
* Finite: The algorithm must have a definite ending point.
* Effective: Each step must be executable and achievable in a reasonable amount of time.
* Input: An algorithm takes some initial data as input.
* Output: It produces a specific result or output based on the input.
Examples of Algorithms:
* Cooking a recipe: The instructions in a recipe are a clear algorithm for creating a dish.
* Sorting a list of numbers: There are various algorithms like bubble sort or quicksort that can efficiently arrange numbers in ascending or descending order.
* Finding the shortest path between two points on a map: Navigation apps use algorithms to calculate the most efficient routes.
* Search engines: Algorithms power search engines to find relevant information from vast databases.
In essence, an algorithm is a blueprint for solving a problem. It provides a systematic and logical approach to achieve a desired outcome.