Features of an algorithm
1. Well-defined inputs and outputs: An algorithm should have clear and unambiguous specifications for its inputs and outputs.
2. Sequential steps: An algorithm consists of a series of steps that are executed sequentially, one after another.
3. Finiteness: An algorithm must eventually terminate after a finite number of steps. It should not go into an infinite loop or keep running indefinitely.
4. Determinism: The steps of an algorithm should be defined precisely and should not depend on any external factors. Given the same input, an algorithm should always produce the same output.
5. Correctness: An algorithm should produce the correct output for all valid inputs. It should solve the problem it was designed to solve.
6. Efficiency: An algorithm should be designed to perform its task in the most efficient way possible. This often involves minimizing the time and space complexity of the algorithm.
7. Modularity: An algorithm should be divided into smaller, manageable modules or subroutines. This improves readability, maintainability, and allows for code reuse.
8. Generality: An algorithm should be able to handle a wide range of input data and should not be tied to specific cases or conditions.
9. Scalability: An algorithm should be able to handle larger inputs without significant degradation in performance.
10. Understandability: An algorithm should be easily understandable and readable by other programmers. It should be well-documented with clear explanations of its purpose and steps.