What are algorithms exactly? Can YOU creat them or is it something already made for you? <<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>> <than you. > <<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

al-go-rithm: n. A step-by-step problem-solving procedure, esp. an established, recursive computational procedure with a finite number of steps.

To actually answer your question, programming-wise, an algorithm is just a method of computing something in a step-by-step manner (example: the A* pathfinding algorithm, which is a mathematical method of finding the best path between 2 points on a map).

A lot of algorithms have already been created for you (aforementioned A*, for example), but it''s not illegal to create your own.

Would you do that through a regular function call??

Always will be smarter
than you,
--=ME=--

I guess "algorithm" is sort of a vague term. All an algorithm is is a method to achieve a certain result. You can put the code for an algorithm in a function, or in a class if you like.

An algorithm is a step-by-step method you come up with in your head to solve a problem. Code you write to execute your algorithm on a computer is its implementation.

Algorithms are not ''code'' or ''functions''.

Algorithms are abstract descriptions of how a particular problem can be solved. It''s sort of a step-by-step description of what to do. Then it''s up to you (or someone else) to actually do it (i.e. implement it in code).

quote: Original post by Wachar
Always will be smarter
than you,
--=ME=--

I hate your mentality.



An example algorithm:

Start at zero
x = 0
Loop until 1000
test if x is divisable by ten:
It is: Display text
Is not: Do nothing
Loop continues


Then written in code...:







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[edited by - Programmer One on April 9, 2002 8:56:46 PM]

A recipe for baking a cake is an algorithm. It is a step-by-step process to reach a certain conclusion.

Sorry...Programmer One.

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Always will be smarter
than you,
--=ME=--
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