What do you mean by the term Algorithm? What are the properties of algorithm?

An Algorithm is a well defined step of getting a solution or result to a particular problem or condition. In simple words, it is a method that provide direction to get the result in a smooth and most effective way.

The properties of algorithm are as follows:-

·         Input: The algorithm has input from pre-defined set of data onto which it can operate.

·         Output: From each set of input values an algorithm produces output values from a specified set of data. The output values are the solution of the problem.

·   Definiteness: The steps of an algorithm must be precisely defined and unambiguous.

·         Correctness: An algorithm should produce a correct output values from each set of input values.

·        Finiteness: An algorithm should produce the desired output after a finite number of steps.

·         Effectiveness: Each step should lead the problem closest to the solution.

Generality: The procedure should be applicable for all problems of the desired form, not just for the particular set of input values.