Algorithms and Programs

Algorithms and Programs

What is an algorithm?

An algorithm is a precise sequence of step-by-step instructions that performs a task in order to solve a problem.

Example of a problem to solve: calculate the sum of two numbers. 

When we perform the addition of two numbers, we apply the addition algorithm.

Let's write in natural language the algorithm of the addition of two natural whole numbers.
For simplicity, we will consider the case of addition without carry, for example the addition of the numbers 12 and 34.

What is a program?

A program is an algorithm that has been written in a programming language and can be followed by a computer.

A programming language is a language that the computer can understand (for example: Scratch).

An algorithm, and so a program, involves a precise sequence of step-by-step instructions.

The computer can understand and execute an instruction.

To program means writing multiple instructions in sequence.

It is very important to approach the task of writing a program in a structured and well thought out manner.

This is what we will learn in these Scratch programming activities.