# What is Algorithm? Definition & Technical Mechanics

> **Source:** [SPIDITS AI AI Glossary](https://spidits.com/ai-glossary)  
> **Category:** Foundational AI  
> **Canonical Citation:** [https://spidits.com/ai-glossary/algorithm](https://spidits.com/ai-glossary/algorithm)

## Definition
An Algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or set of mathematical rules designed to solve a specific problem or perform a calculation. In AI, algorithms determine how a model processes inputs and updates its parameters during learning.

## Architectural Mechanics & Deep Dive
An algorithm is a step-by-step mathematical or logical procedure designed to solve a specific problem or perform a computation. In computer science and AI, algorithms form the foundational logic of software. Traditional algorithms rely on explicit, hardcoded instructions to process inputs. In contrast, machine learning algorithms use statistical methods to infer patterns from data, allowing the system to adapt and make predictions without being explicitly programmed for every scenario.

## Industry Applications & Real-World Use Cases
Data preparation, model optimization, and prediction execution

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the difference between an algorithm and a model?
An algorithm is the mathematical formula or set of steps. A model is the specific program generated after the algorithm is trained on actual data.

### What is a search algorithm in AI?
An algorithm that navigates a space of states or possibilities (e.g. A* search or Monte Carlo Tree Search) to find the best path to a goal.

## Related Terminology
- [models](https://spidits.com/ai-glossary/models)
- [machine-learning](https://spidits.com/ai-glossary/machine-learning)

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*From the SPIDITS AI Knowledge Base (300+ terms indexed). Explore full technical definitions: [https://spidits.com/ai-glossary](https://spidits.com/ai-glossary)*