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Algorithm Basics

An algorithm is a set of rules or procedures for solving problems through a finite sequence of steps. Key characteristics include clarity, well-defined inputs and outputs, finite-ness, feasibility, and language independence. The document also outlines the advantages and disadvantages of algorithms, along with a step-by-step guide on designing an algorithm, illustrated with an example of adding three numbers.

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Algorithm Basics

An algorithm is a set of rules or procedures for solving problems through a finite sequence of steps. Key characteristics include clarity, well-defined inputs and outputs, finite-ness, feasibility, and language independence. The document also outlines the advantages and disadvantages of algorithms, along with a step-by-step guide on designing an algorithm, illustrated with an example of adding three numbers.

Uploaded by

gajendarbanna123
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Algorithm (Basic Concept)

NOTES
What is an Algorithm? Algorithm Basics
The word Algorithm means ” A set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving
operations ” Or ” A procedure for solving a mathematical problem in a finite number of steps that
frequently involves recursive operations”.
Therefore Algorithm refers to a sequence of finite steps to solve a particular problem.
Algorithms can be simple and complex depending on what you want to achieve.

It can be understood by taking the example of cooking a new recipe. To cook a new recipe, one reads
the instructions and steps and executes them one by one, in the given sequence. The result thus
obtained is the new dish cooked perfectly. Every time you use your phone, computer, laptop, or
calculator you are using Algorithms. Similarly, algorithms help to do a task in programming to get the
expected output.
The Algorithm designed are language-independent, i.e. they are just plain instructions that can be
implemented in any language, and yet the output will be the same, as expected.
What are the Characteristics of an Algorithm?

As one would not follow any written instructions to cook the recipe, but only the standard one.
Similarly, not all written instructions for programming is an algorithm. In order for some instructions to
be an algorithm, it must have the following characteristics:
 Clear and Unambiguous: The algorithm should be clear and unambiguous. Each of its steps
should be clear in all aspects and must lead to only one meaning.
 Well-Defined Inputs: If an algorithm says to take inputs, it should be well-defined inputs.
 Well-Defined Outputs: The algorithm must clearly define what output will be yielded and it
should be well-defined as well.
 Finite-ness: The algorithm must be finite, i.e. it should terminate after a finite time.
 Feasible: The algorithm must be simple, generic, and practical, such that it can be executed with
the available resources. It must not contain some future technology or anything.
 Language Independent: The Algorithm designed must be language-independent, i.e. it must be
just plain instructions that can be implemented in any language, and yet the output will be the same,
as expected.

Properties of Algorithm:
 It should terminate after a finite time.
 It should produce at least one output.
 It should take zero or more input.
 It should be deterministic means giving the same output for the same input case.
 Every step in the algorithm must be effective i.e. every step should do some work.
Advantages of Algorithms:
 It is easy to understand.
 An algorithm is a step-wise representation of a solution to a given problem.
 In Algorithm the problem is broken down into smaller pieces or steps hence, it is easier for the
programmer to convert it into an actual program.

Disadvantages of Algorithms:
 Writing an algorithm takes a long time so it is time-consuming.
 Understanding complex logic through algorithms can be very difficult.
 Branching and Looping statements are difficult to show in Algorithms(imp).

How to Design an Algorithm?

 Step 1: Fulfilling the pre-requisites


As discussed above, in order to write an algorithm, its pre-requisites must be fulfilled.
1. The problem that is to be solved by this algorithm: Add 3 numbers and print their sum.
2. The constraints of the problem that must be considered while solving the problem: The
numbers must contain only digits and no other characters.
3. The input to be taken to solve the problem: The three numbers to be added.
4. The output to be expected when the problem is solved: The sum of the three numbers taken
as the input i.e. a single integer value.
5. The solution to this problem, in the given constraints: The solution consists of adding the 3
numbers. It can be done with the help of ‘+’ operator, or bit-wise, or any other method.
 Step 2: Designing the algorithm
Now let’s design the algorithm with the help of the above pre-requisites:
Algorithm to add 3 numbers and print their sum:
1. START
2. Declare 3 integer variables num1, num2 and num3.
3. Take the three numbers, to be added, as inputs in variables num1, num2, and num3
respectively.
4. Declare an integer variable sum to store the resultant sum of the 3 numbers.
5. Add the 3 numbers and store the result in the variable sum.
6. Print the value of the variable sum
7. END
 Step 3: Testing the algorithm by implementing it.
In order to test the algorithm, let’s implement it in C language.

// C++ program to add three numbers with the help of above designed algorithm
#include <iostream.h>
#include <conio.h>

int main()
{
// Variables to take the input of the 3 numbers
int num1, num2, num3;

// Variable to store the resultant sum


int sum;

// Take the 3 numbers as input


cout << "Enter the 1st number: ";
cin >> num1;
cout << " " << num1 << endl;

cout << "Enter the 2nd number: ";


cin >> num2;
cout << " " << num2 << endl;

cout << "Enter the 3rd number: ";


cin >> num3;
cout << " " << num3;

// Calculate the sum using + operator and store it in variable sum


sum = num1 + num2 + num3;
// Print the sum
cout << "\n Sum of the 3 numbers is: "
<< sum;

return 0;
}

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