In [[programming]], an [[algorithm]] is roughly synonymous with a [[method]]. An algorithm/method may return some kind of value to the calling code, but is essentially a block of code used to perform a series of actions or modifications.
This topic is essentially a [[furphy]]. A function and an algorithm are two different descriptions of the same kind of thing. It is a little like saying a spherical box.
In contrast, a [[function]]is required to return a value. There may be some [[programming language]]s for which this is not a syntactic requirement; but that's the philosophical distinction.
An [[algorithm]] is roughly synonymous with a [[method]]. An algorithm/method may return some kind of value to the calling code, but is essentially a block of code used to perform a series of actions or modifications.
To contrast, a [[function]] is something which is required to return a value. Itisprobably true that there are some programming languages for which this is not a syntactic requirement, but that's the philosophical distinction.
This may be a disambiguation page.
Revision as of 08:47, 28 April 2004
In programming, an algorithm is roughly synonymous with a method. An algorithm/method may return some kind of value to the calling code, but is essentially a block of code used to perform a series of actions or modifications.
In contrast, a functionis required to return a value. There may be some programming languages for which this is not a syntactic requirement; but that's the philosophical distinction.
