THE education site for computer science and ICT
2. Using algorithms
In computer terms, an algorithm describes the set of steps needed to carry out a software task
For example there are algorithms worked out for sorting a list efficiently. There are algorithms to create random numbers, how to shade a pixel, how to calculate something.
Many books have been written containing ready-made algorithms. This is excellent news for a programmer as it means they do not have to re-invent the wheel every time they want to carry out a common task.
Important note: Algorithms are *not* computer code, a programmer using 'C++' can use the same algorithm as someone programming in 'Java', they use the same steps, just coded differently.
Challenge see if you can find out one extra fact on this topic that we haven't already told you
Click on this link: Algorithms