Clear instructions
When you create an algorithm, you need to include precise, step-by-step instructions. This means you will need to break down the task or problem into smaller steps.
We call this process decomposition. It is an important part of working out the steps in an algorithm.
The instructions need to be clear and in the right order, or sequence.
We want to learn to say “Hello, good morning!” in British sign language.
The instructor has broken down the process into an algorithm with three steps. Each step follows on from the one before it in the sequence:
- Wave your hand near the side of your head.
- Make a short forward movement using a closed hand with the thumb up.
- With your right hand bent towards you, use your fingertips to tap the far side of your chest, then near side of your chest.
Although the steps are in the right order, it is sometimes quite hard to understand what each action would look like.
We can add images to help make the instructions in the algorithm clearer and easier to follow.
Would this algorithm help YOU to learn how to sign “Hello, good morning?”
Even though you have worked hard to make your algorithm clear and accurate, computers won’t be able to understand it as they use a different language.
The algorithm needs to be translated into , which is a language that the computer does understand. An algorithm that has been translated into code is called a computer .
Sometimes code is called a programming language.
