An algorithm is like a recipe for a computer. Just like a recipe tells you step-by-step how to make a cake, an algorithm tells a computer step-by-step how to solve a problem or complete a task.
For example, think about making a sandwich. The steps might be:
- Take out two slices of bread.
- Spread peanut butter on one slice.
- Spread jelly on the other slice.
- Put the slices together.
This is an algorithm for making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. In the same way, computers use algorithms to do things like sorting your emails, finding information on the internet, or playing a game.
So, in simple terms, an algorithm is a set of instructions that tells a computer exactly what to do, just like a recipe tells you how to make something delicious.
