algorithm
<algorithm, programming> A detailed sequence of actions to perform to
accomplish some task. Named after an Iranian mathematician, Al-Khawarizmi.
Technically, an algorithm must reach a result after a finite number of steps,
thus ruling out brute force search methods for certain problems, though some
might claim that brute force search was also a valid (generic) algorithm. The
term is also used loosely for any sequence of actions (which may or may not
terminate).
Paul E. Black's Dictionary of Algorithms, Data Structures, and Problems.
(2002-02-05)
Nearby terms:
ALGOL X « ALGOL Y « algorithim « algorithm »
ALgorithm DEScription » ALgorIthmic ASsembly
language » Algorithmic Language
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