Supportsoft Glossary

Core Logical Processes Behind Digital Systems

An algorithm can be defined as a specific sequence of instructions that are executed in order to carry out a task. It can also be expressed as specific instructions for solving a defined problem within a computing or digital environment. Although the name 'algorithm' may seem vague or meaningless to those unfamiliar with computer science, in fact, algorithms are used throughout the world by millions of people each day for many of the things they do.

The primary strength of algorithms is that they are consistent over time; when given the same input, a correctly implemented algorithm produces the same predictable result. Therefore, software operating based on algorithms can continue to perform correctly at any point in time, regardless of any changes to the underlying system. When you consider the underlining technologies that drive today's technology environment, you can see that algorithms are often built to prioritise one or more attributes (speed, accuracy, or efficiency), depending on the application of the algorithm under consideration.

As we move towards more advanced data sets, algorithms are becoming increasingly sophisticated and capable. In both simple and complex algorithms, the general principle of an algorithm remains the same; they take a task that needs to be completed and break it into logical steps that can be executed by a computer programme.