An algorithm is a set of instructions to solve a problem or complete a task. Algorithms are vital for programming, as they provide a computer with the instructions to perform a specific task.

GCSE Computer Science: quick-fire questions Free interactive AQA computer science GCSE questions based on past papers. Boost your knowledge of algorithms, computer systems, data structures and more.

The Eggers book—the novel which scored 100% on the algorithm—is described as “the single most paradigmatic bestseller of the past 30 years”.