_{Professor of Computer Science at MIT, Ph.D. - Stanford.}

We all have heard the term Algorithm in many contexts. Terms such as Google search algorithm, Algorithmic trading, Facebook algorithm, and so on. But what is an algorithm? In simple terms, an algorithm is some well-defined sequence of operations, usually to solve a problem or address a need. In computer science, algorithms are used to solve problems in artificial intelligence, computer networking, graphics, security, databases, automated reasoning and decision making, and many other tasks.

It is interesting to know that algorithm is not a new concept and it was created by the 9th-century Persian mathematician and scientist Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi or just al-Khwarizmi. Al-Khwarizmi presented the first systematic solution of linear and quadratic equations. One of his principal achievements in algebra was his demonstration of how to solve quadratic equations by completing the square, for which he provided geometric justifications. Because he was the first to treat algebra as an independent discipline and introduced the methods of “reduction” and “balancing” is also known as “the father of Algebra”. 1