Sign up
Please tick the below box to proceed
I agree (or if I am under 13 my parent or guardian agrees on my behalf) to the terms and conditions of use and that:
- My test statistics may be published on the site leaderboard against my username
- My teacher(s) can review my test scores
- I can receive feedback on my tests from my teacher(s)
Please tick this box to proceed
Already have an account? Sign in
Preview lessons, content and tests
Computer Science & Programming solved. All in one platform.
1. To trial the platform and take tests, please take a few seconds to SIGN UP and SET UP FREE.2. Searching for something specific? See our text overview of all tests. Scroll right for levels, and lists. 3. Student and Teacher User Guides | Schemes of Work | Real Teacher use Videos |
Join 36000+ teachers and students using TTIO.
Introduction to Algorithms
In this lesson you will be introduced to the wonderful world of algorithms. The starter will pose a challenge and you will then get into definitions, uses and applications with an unplugged task and interesting discussion to end. Lots to look forward to in this mini series.
Lesson 1
Definitions and key words
What is an algorithm? In essence, algorithms are simply a series of instructions that are followed, step by step, to do something useful or solve a problem.
What makes a good algorithm? 1. Correctness: the algorithm performs the task without error 2. Efficiency: the algorithm uses as little time and/or as little space as necessary, but there is almost always a trade-off between time and space 3. Comprehensibility: the algorithm can be understood (which helps with human efficiency)
Suggested Video - TED-Ed
Further reading and articles
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/z3tbwmn/articles/z3whpv4
Interesting discussion link: https://medium.com/dataseries/you-are-not-an-algorithm-e401c722e9c7