2.4.4 Algorithms

You've broken down your problem (Decomposition), found similarities (Pattern Recognition), and focused on the important parts (Abstraction). Now it's time to create the instructions!

An Algorithm is the fourth and final tool. It's a set of clear, step-by-step instructions for solving a problem or completing a task. Think of it like a recipe for baking a cake, or directions to get to a friend's house. Each step must be precise, so anyone (or any computer) can follow it and get the same result.

How it works: When you create an algorithm, you think:

What exact steps do I need to take?
In what order do these steps need to happen?
Are there any decisions I need to make at certain steps?
What should happen if something goes wrong?

Example: Let's create a simple algorithm for "Making a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich":

START
Get two slices of bread.
Get peanut butter.
Get jelly.
Get a knife.
Open the peanut butter jar.
Scoop peanut butter onto one slice of bread with the knife.
Spread peanut butter evenly on that slice.
Close the peanut butter jar.
Open the jelly jar.
Scoop jelly onto the other slice of bread with the knife.
Spread jelly evenly on that slice.
Close the jelly jar.
Put the two slices of bread together, peanut butter side down on jelly side.
END

This is an algorithm! It's a clear, ordered list of steps. In computer science, algorithms are the heart of every program, telling the computer exactly what to do to achieve a goal.

Bibliography:

Computer Science Education Research Group (CSER): https://csermoocs.adelaide.edu.au/about-us
Code.org: https://code.org/
Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/computer-science/algorithms