An algorithm is a clear, step‑by‑step set of instructions for solving a problem or completing a task.

You can think of it like a recipe:

- A recipe tells you: first do this, then that, then that…
- An algorithm tells a computer: take this input, perform these steps, produce this output.

Examples:
- A cooking recipe → algorithm for making a dish.
- Long division method you learned in school → algorithm for dividing numbers.
- Google’s search method → a very complex algorithm for finding and ranking web pages.

Key points:
- It must be precise (no vague steps).
- It must eventually finish (not go on forever).
- It should be correct (actually solve the problem).

If you tell me what level you’re at (school grade or background), I can explain it with examples that fit you better.