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In computer science, a sequential algorithm or serial algorithm is an algorithm that is executed sequentially – once through, from start to finish, without other processing executing – as opposed to concurrently or in parallel. The term is primarily used to contrast with concurrent algorithm or parallel algorithm; most standard computer algorithms are sequential algorithms, and not specifically identified as such, as sequentialness is a background assumption. Concurrency and parallelism are in general distinct concepts, but they often overlap – many distributed algorithms are both concurrent and parallel – and thus "sequential" is used to contrast with both, without distinguishing which one. If these need to be distinguished, the opposing pairs sequential/concurrent and serial/parallel may be used.

"Sequential algorithm" may also refer specifically to an algorithm for decoding a convolutional code.^[1]

References

^ "A Dictionary of Computing at Encyclopedia.com".

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[1] "A Dictionary of Computing at Encyclopedia.com".

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+In [[computer science]], a '''sequential algorithm''' or '''serial algorithm''' is an [[algorithm]] that is executed sequentially – once through, from start to finish, without other processing executing – as opposed to [[concurrent computing|concurrently]] or in [[parallel computing|parallel]]. The term is primarily used to contrast with ''[[concurrent algorithm]]'' or ''[[parallel algorithm]];'' most standard computer algorithms are sequential algorithms, and not specifically identified as such, as sequentialness is a background assumption. Concurrency and parallelism are in general distinct concepts, but they often overlap – many [[distributed algorithm]]s are both concurrent and parallel – and thus "sequential" is used to contrast with both, without distinguishing which one. If these need to be distinguished, the opposing pairs sequential/concurrent and serial/parallel may be used.
-'''Sequential algorithm''' can refer to, in general, any [[algorithm]] executed sequentially, but, specifically, one for decoding a [[convolutional code]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O11-sequentialalgorithm.html|title=A Dictionary of Computing at Encyclopedia.com}}</ref>
+"Sequential algorithm" may also refer specifically to an algorithm for decoding a [[convolutional code]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O11-sequentialalgorithm.html|title=A Dictionary of Computing at Encyclopedia.com}}</ref>
 == References ==