What's an Algorithm?

• One of the most fundamental concepts in computer programming
• A set a steps that defines how a task is accomplished; a recipe
• A computer program represents an algorithm
• Programs = software
• Algorithms have been known and studied for centuries; they were not invented by computer scientists
• Algorithms do not require computers, although computers require algorithms
• There are many famous algorithms; Euclid's Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) is a simple one (e.g. the GCD of 27 and 12 is 3)

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