🧭 What is an algorithm?

Unit 1 · Think like a programmer · 8 min

An algorithm is a clear step-by-step recipe for solving a problem. Making tea: boil water → add tea → pour → wait 3 minutes. Computers obey but never guess, so every step must be precise and in the right order.

Words in this lesson

• algorithm — algorithm
• step — step
• order — order

Project: Write a sandwich algorithm and have a family member follow it literally; spot which step was unclear.