What is an algorithm?

Here is an example of a basic algorithm:

function findMax(arr) {
  if (arr.length === 0) {
    return "Array is empty";
  }


  let max = arr[0]; // Assume the first element is the maximum


  for (let i = 1; i < arr.length; i++) {
    if (arr[i] > max) {
      max = arr[i]; // Update max if a larger element is found
    }
  }


  return max; // Return the maximum number in the array
}


// Example usage:
const numbers = [3, 7, 2, 9, 1, 5];
const maxNumber = findMax(numbers);
console.log("The maximum number is:", maxNumber);

"At it's core, an algorithm is a set of step-by-step instructions designed to solve a specific problem or perform a task." - ChatGPT

Also remember too that an algorithm is a way of thinking or approaching a problem. Algorithmic thinking involves breaking down a problem into manageable steps that perform consistently.

As humans, we solve things intuitively without even thinking about it. For example, if you are given a list of numbers and asked to big the biggest number, you quickly look at the list and find it.

But what if you can't see? Writing instructions for a computer to find the biggest number is a lot different than just innately "knowing" what to do.

This is where algorithmic thinking comes in. It's explicitly defining steps to solve a problem like finding the biggest number.

important to remember that there are all sorts of different algorithms like sorting algorithms, searching algorithms, back tracking algorithms, divide and conquer, greedy, etc.