Algorithm
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In mathematics and computer science, an algorithm (/ˈælɡərɪðəm/ ⓘ) is a finite sequence[1] of mathematically rigorous logical instructions, typically used to solve a class of specific problems or to perform a computation.[2] Algorithms are used as specifications for performing calculations and data processing. More advanced algorithms can use conditionals to divert the code execution through various routes (referred to as automated decision-making) and deduce valid inferences (referred to as automated reasoning).
In contrast, a heuristic is an approach to solving problems without well-defined correct or optimal results.[3] For example, although social media recommender systems are commonly called "algorithms", they actually rely on heuristics as there is no truly "correct" recommendation.
