Each algorithm can usually be represented by a set of straightforward steps, and programmers often use visual flowcharts to show their thought processes for solving each individual step with code.

Java programmers use data structures to store and organize data, and we use algorithms to manipulate the data in those structures. The more you understand about data structures and algorithms, and ...

To clear things up, I drew you this flowchart on the back of an envelope so you can work out whether something is using AI or not. This originally appeared in our AI newsletter The Algorithm.

Can I level with you? I’m not always sure I know what people are talking about when they say algorithm? You’re not alone: Honestly, I haven’t always been sure what I meant when I said it either.

Flowcharts also have their disadvantages: with a large program, the diagrams can become huge in size and unwieldy to follow any changes to the design may mean a lot of the flowchart has to be redrawn ...