Algorithm

ALGORITHMS:

The term algorithm originally referred to any computation performed via a set of rules applied to numbers written in decimal form. The word is derived from the phonetic pronunciation of the last name of Abu Ja'far Mohammed ibn Musa al-Khowarizmi, who was an Arabic mathematician who invented a set of rules for performing the four basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) on decimal numbers. An algorithm is a representation of a solution to a problem. If a problem can be defined as a difference between a desired situation and the current situation in which one is, then a problem solution is a procedure, or method, for transforming the current situation to the desired one. We solve many such trivial problems every day without even thinking about it, for example making breakfast, travelling to the workplace etc. But the solution to such problems requires little intellectual effort and is relatively unimportant. However, the solution of a more interesting problem of more importance usually involves stating the problem in an understandable form and communicating the solution to others. In the case where a computer is part of the means of solving the problem, a procedure, explicitly stating the steps leading to the solution, must be transmitted to the computer. This concept of problem solution and communication makes the study of algorithms important to computer science. Throughout history, man has thought of ever more elegant ways of reducing the amount of labour needed to do things. A computer has immense potential for saving time/energy, as most (computational) tasks that are repetitive or can be generalised can be done by a computer. For a computer to perform a desired task, a method for carrying out some sequence of events, resulting in accomplishing the task, must somehow be described to the computer. The algorithm can be described on many levels because the algorithm is just the procedure of steps to take and get the result. The language used to describe an algorithm to other people will be quite different from that which is used by the computer, however the actual algorithm will in essence be the same. 

An example of an algorithm people use would be a recipe to make a cake.

"4 extra large eggs, beaten 

1&1/2 C. stock 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1 scallion, minced 

1 C. small shrimp or lobster flakes 

1 t. soy sauce 

1 Tablespoon oil 

1. Mix all the ingredients, except the oil, in a deep bowl

2. Put 1" water in wide pot, then place deep bowl of batter inside.

3. Cover pot tightly and steam 15 min. 

4. Heat oil very hot and pour over custard. 

5. Steam 5 more min. Serves 4 people" This breaks down 'Making Chinese egg custard' into smaller steps. To make the product one still needs to know how to execute each of the steps in the procedure and understand all of the terms.