What is Algorithm?
An algorithm is a fixed set of steps a computer follows to carry out a task or make a choice.
An algorithm is simply a recipe: do this, then that, and reach a result. Your social media feed is put together by an algorithm. AI uses algorithms, but not every algorithm is AI. A simple sum follows an algorithm too.
The word is often made to sound scary, but it usually means nothing more than 'the rules the computer follows'. Handy for taking the mystery out of it.
Put precisely
An algorithm is a series of steps. With AI, those steps are not all written out by a person any more: the model has mostly picked them up itself from examples.
Common misconception
That the algorithm is one single thing someone can adjust exactly, like a dial.
Related words
Understand AI, calmly
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