Define Algorithm. What are the characteristics of a good algorithm?

Algorithm Definition

An Algorithm is a clear and finite set of step-by-step instructions used to solve any problem.

In simple words:

It is like a blueprint or recipe that tells which calculations and logic must be applied to go from an input to a specific output.

Basic Rules of an Algorithm

An Algorithm must satisfy these five (5) basic properties:

  1. Input: An Algorithm should have zero or more well-defined inputs.

  2. Output: An Algorithm must generate at least one well-defined output.

  3. Definiteness: Every instruction must be precise and clear. There should be no confusion.

  4. Finiteness: An Algorithm should stop (terminate) after a limited number of steps. It should not run forever.

  5. Effectiveness: Every operation must be simple enough that it can also be done manually.

Characteristics of a Good Algorithm

An Algorithm is considered good or efficient when it not only solves the problem but solves it in the best possible way. For exams, you can write these points in detail:

1. Correctness

  • Definition: The Algorithm must always give correct and expected output for all valid inputs.

  • Explanation: If the output is wrong, then the Algorithm is useless. This is a fundamental requirement.

2. Time Efficiency

  • Definition: The Algorithm should take minimum possible time to run and produce the output.

  • Explanation: This is measured using Time Complexity (such as $O(n)$, $O(n \log n)$). A good Algorithm has low complexity, meaning its execution time increases slowly even if input size becomes large.

3. Space Efficiency

  • Definition: The Algorithm should use minimum memory space to run.

  • Explanation: This is measured using Space Complexity. Using less memory is important, especially for systems with limited resources.

4. Clarity and Readability

  • Definition: The steps of an Algorithm should be logically ordered, easy to read, and well-documented.

  • Explanation: If an Algorithm is clear, then other programmers can easily debug, maintain, and modify it.

5. Robustness

  • Definition: The Algorithm should handle abnormal or invalid inputs gracefully without crashing.

  • Explanation: If a user gives unexpected input, the Algorithm should show a proper error message instead of stopping suddenly.

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