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)