Algorithm

In mathematics and computer science an algorithm (the word is derived from the name of the Persian mathematician Al-Khwarizmi) is a finite set of well-defined instructions for accomplishing some task which, given an initial state, will terminate in a corresponding recognizable end-state (contrast with heuristic). Algorithms can be implemented by computer programs, although often in restricted forms; mistakes in implementation and limitations of the computer can prevent a computer program from correctly executing its intended algorithm.

External links

• {{DADS|algorithm|algorithm}}
• Algana.co.uk Algorithm analysis and puzzles. Free source code for algorithm Java applets and C++ modules
• Gaston H. Gonnet and Ricardo Baeza-Yates: Example programs from Handbook of Algorithms and Data Structures. Free source code for many important algorithms.
• Dictionary of Algorithms and Data Structures. "This is a dictionary of algorithms, algorithmic techniques, data structures, archetypical problems, and related definitions."
• Numerical Recipes
• Computer Programming Algorithms Directory
• Computers/Algorithms @ dmoz.org
• "Algogeeks" Google Group - Discuss ideas, algorithms, challenges related to programming. Also announcements about Online Programming Contests will be posted in this group.
• Musicalgorithms An interesting way of using algorithms to make music.