Thread: What is the difference between one Algorithm and one Implementation

Hello everyone ! I am thinking about the general concept of one ALgorithm.

Does exist real separation between algorithm and code in C (which is an implementation of algorithm)???

We can call one program as algorithm? Or only as "Implementation in C of C algorithm"

For Instance , We assume that we have the simple algorithm (comparison of 2 integers) :

Figure A (Algorithm in Pseudo-Code):

if a is higher from b

Put higher=a;

otherwise

if a is less from b

Put higher=b;

Figure B ( Implementation in C ) :

Code:

 

...

if(a>b)
higher=a;
else
higher=b;

printf("%d",higher);

Now... We can call A as "basic algorithm" and B as "implementation in C of this algorithm" or also we can call B as algorithm in C? or (both of them? Implementation and algorithm????)

thank you in advance

Originally Posted by Mr.Lnx

Hence , the summary is :

An algorithm is language independent unlike a computer program???

An algorithm is everything independent. It is the process itself, pretty much an intangible thing.
Even pseudocode is really just a description or representation of an algorithm, typically not being able to be executed by machines in that form.
An implementation refers to one of potentially an unlimited number of possible representations of the algorithm, that can be executed by a computer.

Originally Posted by iMalc

An algorithm is everything independent. It is the process itself, pretty much an intangible thing.
Even pseudocode is really just a description or representation of an algorithm, typically not being able to be executed by machines in that form.
An implementation refers to one of potentially an unlimited number of possible representations of the algorithm, that can be executed by a computer.

Ok I get it!

Perfect definition , thank you!

thank all of you

Because with the combination of your answers I understood this basic concept of general programming

Mr. Lnx