An Overview Algorithms

1. An algorithm is a list of directions you give a computer to get something done.

2. The directions that programmers write is called an algorithm.

3. The order of the directions is called a sequence.

4. Giving directions to a person can be tricky. Giving directions to a computer is even trickier.

5. Why? A computer can only do exactly what you tell it to do, in exactly the order you tell it! A computer can’t ask questions or figure out what to do on its own if your directions are unclear.

The PB&J Algorithm Game!

During this game, you will learn several programming concepts.

• The nature of algorithms: Algorithms are a series of steps to be taken, much like a recipe.

• The necessity for specificity: Computers do what they are told and nothing more, sometimes resulting in strange results.

• Quality assurance: debugging through iterative improvements to your recipe so the "robot" will make just anything that even resembles a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.