ALG

Alg is a common abbreviation for algorithm, a foundational concept in computer science and mathematics. The term is also used as a shorthand for algebra in some contexts, and may appear as a brief label in notes, code comments, or bibliographies. The intended meaning is usually clear from context.

An algorithm is a finite sequence of precise instructions that, given an input, produces an output and terminates after a finite number of steps. Algorithms are characterized by definiteness, finiteness, and effectiveness. They can be described in natural language, pseudocode, or a programming language. In practice, algorithm design emphasizes correctness, efficiency, and resource usage, including time and space complexity. Common examples include the Euclidean algorithm for computing the greatest common divisor and binary search for locating an item in a sorted array.

The word algorithm derives from the name of the 9th‑century Persian mathematician al-Khwarizmi. In medieval Europe the term appeared as Algoritmi or Algorismus, and later evolved into the modern word algorithm. The related term algorism historically referred to arithmetic with Hindu–Arabic numerals, reflecting the transmission of mathematical techniques to Europe.

In modern contexts, algorithms underpin software, data processing, and many scientific methods. They are analyzed for performance, correctness, and robustness, and may be implemented in various languages. The shorthand alg remains common in discussions, tests, and documentation where algorithms are a central topic.