What is an algorithm?

a retro robot with nothing to do
a retro robot with nothing to do

An algorithm is a set of instructions that describes a process or task, typically to solve a problem or accomplish a goal.

Algorithms are the foundation of computer programming and are used to perform a wide variety of tasks, from basic calculations to complex data processing and automated decision making. Algorithms can be written in any programming language, and are used in applications such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics. Algorithms are designed to be as efficient, concise, and accurate as possible, and are often modified over time to improve their performance. Algorithms can be applied to many different types of problems, from simple arithmetic to complex data analysis.