AI Definitions: Algorithms

Algorithms - Direct, specific instructions for computers created by a human through coding that tells the computer how to perform a task. Like a cooking recipe, this set of rules has a finite number of steps. More specifically, it is code that follows the algorithmic logic of “if”, “then”, and “else.” An example of an algorithm would be: IF the customer orders size 13 shoes, THEN display the message ‘Sold out, Sasquatch!’; ELSE ask for a color preference.     

Algorithms make one of two approaches:

1. Rule-based algorithms – direct, specific instructions are created by a human.  

2. Machine-learning algorithms – The data and goal is given to the algorithm, which works out for itself how to reach the goal. There is a popular perception that algorithms provide a more objective, more complete view of reality, but they often will simply reinforce existing inequities, reflecting the bias of creators and the materials used to train them.

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