An algorithm, simply put, is a flowchart of the steps you will take, including the various options you plan to exercise for each contingency you are able to plan for. In computer science practically speaking one must plan for every contingency before coding something up, or the computer will fail in a number of ways, depending on which contingency the programmer failed to plan for.
The logic behind the algorithm also tends to determine the efficiency of the overall program, and is therefore one of the main “sticking points” in computer science instruction. Frequently taught in terms of “search” the ability to sort through a pile of data points to find the one you are looking for is an important function for a computer to fulfill.
An algorithm is also an important way of organizing information, and activities, for example, a family trying to set up an emergency plan for a natural disaster like an earthquake, may set it up in terms of an algorithm (and probably should).
If it happens during the day > Kids follow teachers’ instructions, Mom checks on Kids, Dad checks on Mom. If all is fine Dad stays at work if not checks on Kids, then checks on Mom.
If it happens at night > Rendezvous at mailbox out front, if everyone is fine check on old lady next door, if not find missing party.
Team sports can set plays according to an algorithm, search and rescue parties can use them for more efficient search, nearly any activity that wants to benefit form a prearranged st of instructions to individual members to coordinate their efforts will all benefit from a properly constructed algorithm. Even an individual wanting to be a step ahead can predetermine large parts of their path by this method, and with practice it only takes a moment to come up with one.
Generally you would build this algorithm around “conditional logic”, as in, IF this event should happen, THEN we will use our emergency algorithm. So the earthquake happens, now what.
If it happened in the day > Kids follow teachers’ instructions, Mom checks on kids at school, Dad contacts Mom, if all is well stays at work, if not checks on kids at school, then looks for Mom.
If it happened in the night >
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