What is an algorithm?

An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or performing a task, and this definition captures its essential characteristics. Algorithms provide a clear sequence of actions or rules that must be followed to achieve a specific outcome, whether that’s processing data, performing calculations, or executing a series of operations to solve a problem.

In contrast, a programming language is a tool that enables developers to implement algorithms in a form that computers can execute; this does not define what an algorithm is, but rather how it can be executed. A data structure serves as a way to organize and store data efficiently, which does not encapsulate the concept of an algorithm itself, as it is more about the arrangement of data rather than the process of solving a problem. Lastly, while testing software performance is crucial in the software development lifecycle, it is not related to the concept of an algorithm but rather focuses on assessing how well software operates under various conditions. Thus, the definition that highlights algorithms as structured, stepwise problem-solving methods is accurate and fundamental to computing science.