{"id":9671,"date":"2022-08-17T13:54:46","date_gmt":"2022-08-17T16:54:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eseg.edu.br\/blog\/o-que-e-algoritmo-e-como-ele-e-usad-na-programacao\/"},"modified":"2026-05-12T00:24:23","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T03:24:23","slug":"what-is-an-algorithm-and-how-is-it-used-in-programming","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eseg.edu.br\/en\/blog\/o-que-e-algoritmo-e-como-ele-e-usad-na-programacao\/","title":{"rendered":"How is the algorithm used for programming?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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How is the algorithm used for programming?<\/h1>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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If you've always heard about algorithms in technology, but have no idea what they are, what they're used for, how they influence the field, or how they relate to programming, this article is for you.<\/p>\n

Keep reading and discover all the information you need to stay informed about this topic!<\/p>\n

What is an algorithm?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In the mathematical sciences, algorithms emerged in the 9th century to describe rules that should be followed for the exact solution of equations, but their application can be made to any finite sequence of actions that seek specific results.<\/p>\n

In simple terms, an algorithm works like a recipe for a delicious cake; it's a sequence of actions that must be executed precisely to achieve a satisfactory and beneficial end goal.<\/p>\n

Its sequence of commands works systematically, aiming to solve a problem or execute a task, from the simplest day-to-day tasks on a computer to highly complex programs and software, and tools capable of identifying and analyzing consumer behavior.<\/p>\n

Here's a simple example to give you an idea of how an algorithm works in something you probably do every day: closing a website tab in your browser by clicking the "x".<\/p>\n

The command to close the screen by clicking on a specific icon, or to keep it open if no action is taken, is given by an algorithm.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Programming and the use of algorithms<\/strong><\/h2>\n

By definition, in technology, programming can be understood as the act of writing instructions for machines to perform one or more chained functions.<\/p>\n

A set of codes establishes communication with the computer or other machines that require a command, and these codes are configured to perform a specific task.<\/p>\n

Did you notice any similarity to what an algorithm does? Well, there is a relationship between them.<\/p>\n

Computer Engineering: Everything you need to know about the course<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

In programming, code can be written in various languages, and all code generates an algorithm. This algorithm, once generated, can be used in more than one programming language, but its identity cannot be changed.<\/p>\n

Every program or tool used, in addition to the code that will be interpreted by the machine, necessarily needs some type of algorithm, otherwise nothing will work.<\/p>\n

It is the main framework of computer science and programming. As its development grows, so does its complexity, in an attempt to encompass all possible scenarios.<\/p>\n

But what does the analogy between an algorithm and a cooking recipe have to do with it?<\/p>\n

Think of it this way:<\/p>\n