bsg (06/08/82)
Does anyone have (or can anyone create) a good definition of algorithm?
I recently ran across the phrase "data-free algorithm," and I feel
that the phrase is meaningless. However, I can't justify this gut
feeling without knowing what "algorithm" means.
My American Heritage Dictionary says "Any mechanical or recursive
computational procedure." Aside from being ambiguous, this definition
is also inconsistent with my intuitions--I think one can desribe a
recipe, e.g., as an algorithm. However, I would not describe a recipe
as a computational procedure. I also immediately looked up "computational"
and "recursive." The former was not even listed; the latter was defined
in terms of a mathematical formula whose later terms depend on earlier
terms.
I think this question is of general interest, but I'm sure others will not
agree, so reply by mail and I'll summarize for the net (if I get
interesting/worthwhile replies).
Thanks!!
Billie
...!npois!bsg