Arizona State University (ASU) CSE240 Introduction to Programming Languages Midterm Practice Exam

An algorithm in programming is best defined as a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem. This definition emphasizes the structured approach that algorithms take to address a specific task or to compute a desired outcome. An effective algorithm is characterized by its clarity and precision, detailing each action needed to transform inputs into the desired outputs in a finite number of steps.

Algorithms are foundational to programming because they provide a clear framework for developers to implement solutions while ensuring that the logic is sound and efficient. They can be expressed in various forms, such as natural language, pseudocode, or flowcharts, and can be translated into code across different programming languages.

This step-by-step nature distinguishes algorithms from a mere sequence of events or random instructions. In a well-constructed algorithm, each step logically follows from the previous one, leading to the successful resolution of the problem at hand. This is why the choice that defines an algorithm as a structured procedure for problem-solving is the most accurate and relevant in the context of programming.