Algorithm

Simple

A step-by-step recipe a computer follows to do something.

Standard

An algorithm is a set of steps for solving a problem or completing a task β€” like a recipe. The 'recommendations' you see in apps are produced by algorithms.

Detailed

An algorithm is a well-defined procedure that transforms inputs into outputs. In everyday tech, ranking and recommendation algorithms decide what content you see. Understanding that these are designed choices β€” not neutral truth β€” helps you use technology critically.