There is no agreed definition of "algorithm". A simple definition: a set of instructions for solving a problem. The algorithm can be implemented by a program or simulated by a program. Algorithms often have steps that loop (repeat) or require decisions such as logic or comparison. A very simple example of an algorithm is the multiplication of two numbers: on early computers with limited processors, this was performed by a routine that in a loop of numbers based on the first number adds the second number. The algorithm translates a method into computer commands. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Algorithms are essential to how computers process information, because a computer program is essentially an algorithm that tells the computer what specific steps to perform (in what specific order) to accomplish a specific task, such as calculating employee salaries or print student report cards. Therefore, an algorithm can be considered to be any sequence of operations that can be performed by a Turing complete system. Authors who support this thesis include Savage (1987) and Gurevich (2000): "...Turing's informal argument in favor of his thesis justifies a stronger thesis: every algorithm can be simulated by a Turing machine" ...according to Savage [ 1987], an algorithm is a computational process defined by a Turing machine." Typically, when an algorithm is associated with information processing, data is read from an input source or device, written to a sink or output device and/or stored for further processing. The stored data is considered part of the internal state of the entity executing the algorithm The algorithm must be rigorously defined: specified in how it applies in all possible circumstances that might occur. That is, any conditional steps must be addressed systematically, on a case-by-case basis, the criteria for each case must be clear (and calculable). . , the order of calculation will almost always be fundamental to the functioning of the algorithm. Instructions are usually assumed to be listed explicitly and are described starting "at the top" and going "down", an idea that is more formally described by control flow. So far, this discussion of formalizing an algorithm has assumed the premises of imperative programming. This is the most common conception and attempts to describe an activity by discrete and "mechanical" means. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Unique to this conception of Formalized algorithms are the assignment operation, which sets the value of a variable. It derives from the intuition of 'memory' as a notepad. For some alternative conceptions of what constitutes an algorithm see functional programming and logic programming. The origin of the term comes from the ancients. The concept becomes more precise with the use of variables in mathematics. The algorithm in the sense in which it is used by computers today appeared as soon as the first mechanical engines were invented.