Glossary of Computer/Internet Related Terms
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Term
Algorithm
Definition
(pronounced AL-go-rith-um): The term algorithm is a procedure or formula for solving a problem. The word derives from the name of the mathematician, Mohammed ibn-Musa Al-Khowarizmi, who was part of the royal court in Baghdad and who lived from about 780 to 850. Al-Khowarizmi's work is the likely source for the word algebra as well.
A computer program can be viewed as an elaborate algorithm. In mathematics and computer science, an algorithm usually means a small procedure that solves a recurrent problem.
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