What is an algorithm?
Algorithm refers to an accurate and complete description of a problem-solving solution. It is a series of clear instructions for solving problems. Algorithm represents a systematic method to describe the strategic mechanism for solving problems. In other words, it is possible to obtain the required output within a limited time for certain standardized inputs.
If an algorithm is flawed or inappropriate for a problem, executing the algorithm will not solve the problem. Different algorithms may use different time, space, or efficiency to complete the same task. The quality of an algorithm can be measured by its space complexity and time complexity.
An algorithm should have the following five important characteristics:
1. Finiteness
The finiteness of an algorithm means that the algorithm must be able to Terminate after executing a limited number of steps;
2. Exactness
Each step of the algorithm must have an exact definition;
3.Input
An algorithm has 0 or more inputs to describe the initial situation of the operation object. The so-called 0 inputs means that the algorithm itself sets the initial conditions;
4. Output items
An algorithm has one or more outputs to reflect the results of processing the input data. An algorithm without output is meaningless;
5. Feasibility
Any calculation steps performed in the algorithm can be decomposed into basic executable operation steps, that is, each The calculation steps can all be completed within a limited time (also called effectiveness).
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