PROGRAM DESIGN TOOL - ALGORITHM

• An algorithm is a Characteristics of an algorithm

• Well defined set of steps for solving a problem.
• Logical concise list of procedures for solving a problem
• Complete unambiguous finite number of logical steps for solving any problem on the computer

• Characteristics of an algorithm 

• Precision  -  the steps are precisely defined.
• Uniqueness - results of each step are uniquely defined and only depend on the input and the result of the preceding steps.
• Finiteness - the algorithm stops after a finite number of instructions are executed.
• Input - the algorithm receives input.
• Output - the algorithm produces output.
• Generality - the algorithm applies to a set of inputs.

• Advantages of an algorithm

• Reduced complexity. 
• Increased flexibility. 
• Ease of understanding

• Disadvantages of an algorithm

• Multiple function calls are expensive.
• Inefficient when there is lots of branching from one state.
• Requires large amount of space as the each function state needs to be stored on system stack.

Practice with algorithms