Computer Science / Unit 1 CS 0003 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Algorithm
Captions available
The idea
An algorithm is a sequence of precise instructions that takes an input, runs a finite number of steps, and produces an output.
In practice
Turn-by-turn directions name a starting point, a fixed series of moves, and a destination.
Where people slip
A vague step disqualifies the whole procedure — precision is the entry fee.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
Unlocks
- 0004"Algorithms Need Computers"
- 0005Computing Before Electronics
- 0006Halving the Haystack: Binary Search
- 0010Software and the Program
- 0015Theoretical Computer Science
- 0035One Chapter, Whole Field
- 0041Computational Thinking
- 0049Testing and Debugging
- 0050Pseudocode and the Flowchart
- 0052Parallel Execution
- 0092Algorithm and Program
- 0118Algorithmic Problem-Solving
- 0236The Algorithm's Three Requirements
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