An algorithm refers to a step-by-step list of instructions to solve an instance of a problem, when these steps are executed on computer to represent a solution to any problem, then it is known as Computer Algorithms. These steps must be finite, unambiguous, definite, effective, and define input/output.
Here is a simplified explanation of a computer algorithm using a flowchart as a visual representation:

Let’s break down the components of this algorithm:
- Execute a sequence of steps or actions: Within the loop, the algorithm performs a set of actions or calculations. These steps can involve mathematical operations, logical comparisons, or other computations.
- START and END: These represent the beginning and end points of the algorithm.
- Input data or values: This is where the algorithm receives the necessary input to work with. It can be data entered by the user or information retrieved from a file or database.
- Perform initializations: Initialize any variables or data structures required for the algorithm. This step sets up the initial state before executing the main steps.
- While loop: The algorithm enters a loop that continues as long as a specified condition is true. The loop allows the algorithm to repeat a sequence of steps until the condition is no longer satisfied.
- Update variables or data: During each iteration of the loop, the algorithm may update the values of variables or data structures to reflect changes or store intermediate results.
- Check if the condition is still true: After executing the steps within the loop, the algorithm checks if the condition is still true. If it is, the loop continues; otherwise, it breaks out of the loop.
- Perform final computations or operations: After exiting the loop, the algorithm performs any remaining computations or operations necessary to produce the final result.
- Output the result or data: Finally, the algorithm presents the result or data to the user or stores it for further use.
This is a simplified representation of a computer algorithm using a flowchart. Algorithms can vary in complexity, and the flowchart can be more intricate depending on the specific problem being solved. However, this example provides a general understanding of the sequential nature of algorithms and how they guide the execution of steps to solve a problem.
Lets explore more to understand fundamentals of Computer Algorithms.
Select the following Areas of your Interest.
- Practise Numericals (using various Algorithms in different problem scenarios)
- Foundation of Computer Algorithms
- Analyzing Time and Space Complexity
- Searching Techniques
- Sorting Techniques ( Comparison & Non-Comparison based)
- Understanding Heap and Heap-Operations
- Amortized Analysis
- Splay Trees
- Red Black Tree – Insertion & Deletion Operations
- Augmenting Data Structures (Order-Statistics-Tree, Finding Rank, Interval-Trees)
- Minimum Spanning Tree / Greedy Algorithms / Knapsack Problem
- Shortest Path / Djikshtra / Bellman-Ford
- Dynamic Programming
- String Matching Algorithms
- P – NP Type Problems
- Sample QUIZ
- List of Video Lectures on Computer Algorithms