Characteristics of Algorithms - SS2 ICT Lesson Note

Characteristics of Algorithms:

Input: An algorithm takes some input, which could be data, values, or information that needs to be processed to produce the desired output.

Output: After following the instructions of an algorithm, it produces an output, which is the solution to the problem or the result of the task.

Finiteness: Algorithms should have a well-defined ending point, meaning they must terminate after a finite number of steps. This prevents infinite loops and ensures that the algorithm doesn't run indefinitely.

Definiteness: Each step of the algorithm should be precisely defined and clear, leaving no room for ambiguity. This allows different people or machines to implement the algorithm consistently.

Effectiveness: An algorithm should be effective in solving the problem for which it was designed. This means it must produce the correct output for all valid inputs and follow a logical sequence of operations.

Feasibility: The algorithm should be practical and feasible to implement using available resources, such as time and memory.

Unambiguity: The instructions in the algorithm should be unambiguous, meaning there is only one interpretation for each step. This reduces the chances of errors during implementation.

Independent: An algorithm should be independent of the programming language or technology used for its implementation. It focuses on the logical flow of steps rather than the specifics of the coding language.