Algorithms

What is an Algorithm? 

 An algorithm is a procedure or formula for solving a problem, based on conducting a sequence of specified actions. A computer program can be viewed as an elaborate algorithm. In mathematics and computer science, an algorithm usually means a small procedure that solves a recurrent problem. 

  Difference between Algorithm and Pseudocode 

Algorithm: Compute the area of the circle

                    BEGIN 

                            GET values for radius

                            SET pi as 22/7 

                            SET area to 0 

                            Calculate area by multiplying pi*radius*radius

                            DISPLAY area

                     END 

                                         Pseudocode: Compute the area of the circle

                    READ radius

                      SET area = 0 

                      SET pi = 22/7

                      area = pi*radius*radius

                      PRINT area 

 An algorithm is a well-defined procedure that allows a computer to solve a problem. A Pseudocode is a simple way of writing programming code in English. Pseudocode is not an actual programming language. It uses short phrases to write code for programs before you actually create it in a specific language. A program is a sequence of instructions in a particular programming language, written to perform a specified task on a computer.