Characteristics of an Algorithm

An algorithm should have the following characteristics −

  • Unambiguous − Algorithm should be clear and unambiguous. Each of its steps (or phases), and their inputs/outputs should be clear and must lead to only one meaning.
  • Input − An algorithm should have 0 or more well-defined inputs.
  • Output − An algorithm should have 1 or more well-defined outputs, and should match the desired output.
  • Finiteness − Algorithms must terminate after a finite number of steps.
  • Feasibility − Should be feasible with the available resources.
  • Independent − An algorithm should have step-by-step directions, which should be independent of any programming code.