When new programmers hear the word algorithm, they imagine complex math, whiteboards, and interview questions. But algorithms are not scary. You already use them every day without realising it.
An algorithm is simply a way of solving a problem step by step.
What Is an Algorithm?
An algorithm is a clear set of steps used to complete a task or solve a problem.
That’s it.
No code required to understand it.
Just logic and order.
A Simple Example You Already Know
Think about making tea.
- Boil water
- Add tea leaves
- Pour into a cup
- Add sugar or milk
- Serve
That is an algorithm.
If you change the order, the result changes.
If you skip a step, it breaks.
Why Algorithms Matter in Programming
Computers don’t think.
They only follow instructions.
An algorithm tells the computer:
• What to do
• In what order
• Under what conditions
Good algorithms make programs faster, cleaner, and more reliable.
Bad algorithms make apps slow and buggy.
A Real Programming Scenario
Imagine you’re building an e-commerce app.
You want to find the cheapest product from a list.
A simple algorithm would be:
- Start with the first product
- Assume it’s the cheapest
- Compare it with the next product
- Update if you find a cheaper one
- Repeat until the list ends
That’s all.
No magic. Just logic.
Where New Programmers Get Stuck
Beginners often try to write code before understanding the steps.
That’s backwards.
First, think in steps.
Then write code.
If you can explain your solution in plain language, you already have the algorithm.
What Algorithms Are NOT
Algorithms are not:
• A programming language
• A framework
• A specific piece of code
They exist before code is written.
The same algorithm can be written in any language.
Why Algorithms Show Up Everywhere
Algorithms are used in:
• Searching data
• Sorting lists
• Recommending products
• Finding routes on maps
• Detecting spam
Any time a problem needs a logical solution, an algorithm is involved.
One Thing to Remember
If you remember only one thing:
An algorithm is just a step-by-step way to solve a problem.
Programming is simply teaching logic to a computer.
