What is an Algorithm?

An Algorithm is a finite, step-by-step procedure to solve a specific problem. In the world of Java programming, an algorithm is a logic that takes an input, processes it through defined steps, and produces the desired output.

Characteristics of a Good Algorithm:

• Input: It should have zero or more well-defined inputs.
• Output: It must produce at least one output.
• Definiteness: Each step must be clear and unambiguous.
• Finiteness: The algorithm must terminate after a finite number of steps.
• Effectiveness: Every step must be basic enough to be performed using a pen and paper.

Java Example: Linear Search Algorithm

public class AlgorithmDemo {
    // A simple algorithm to find an element in an array
    public static int search(int[] numbers, int target) {
        for (int i = 0; i < numbers.length; i++) {
            if (numbers[i] == target) {
                return i; // Target found
            }
        }
        return -1; // Target not found
    }
}