Difference between Algorithm and Program: What Sets Them Apart

Most of us who are into software development or programming think there is little difference between algorithm and program, or even that they are equivalent. Yes, they are in relation to each other, but that doesn’t mean they are similar. An algorithm is always written or designed to focus on what to do, while a program is executed to perform a specific set of tasks using code and computer instructions.       

Think of an algorithm as an abstraction and a program as a tool that implements the algorithm using a specific programming language (Java, Python, C++, or JavaScript).

However, the differences between these two are not limited to just two or three points; they go beyond that, and in this blog, we are going to explore each of them. So, let’s get started.

Quick Answer:

An algorithm is a simple, step-by-step method written in plain language that explains how to solve a problem. At the same time, a program is the actual code written in programming languages like JavaScript, Python, C++, or Java that a computer can run to produce the final result.

Difference between Algorithm and Program Through an Example

An algorithm is a piece of code that consists of a sequence of steps for solving a problem or challenge as efficiently as possible. And remember that an algorithm doesn’t rely on a programming language; it can be represented in plain text, a flowchart, or pseudocode. Writing algorithms is flexible. 

A program, on the other hand, is a collection of instructions that are coded using a programming language such as Java, C++, or Python. A program is created by translating the steps in an algorithm into code that the computer can understand to solve a particular problem. From performing simple mathematical computations like adding two numbers or finding the factorial of an integer to complex apps such as games, websites, or mobile platforms, all are examples of programs.

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Example:

Problem Statement: Verify the voting eligibility of individuals. If an individual is 18 or older, they are eligible to vote; otherwise, they are not.

Now let’s design the solution by first writing a step-by-step algorithm and then implementing it in our code to get the desired output.

Note: For this particular example, we have used JavaScript (JS) as our primary programming language. You can use any language that you are comfortable with.

Algorithm =>

Steps to be followed:

• Start Program

• Take a number from the user (voter)

• Check if the number is greater than or equal to 18

• If yes, display “You are eligible to vote.”

• If no, display “You are not eligible to vote.”

• End Program

Program =>

Now, let’s code these steps.

(Code)

{

function checkVotingEligibility(age) {

  if (age >= 18) {

    return “You are eligible to vote”;

  } 

  else {

    return “You are not eligible to vote”;

  }

}

console.log(checkVotingEligibility(20));        // Output: You are eligible to vote

console.log(checkVotingEligibility(15));        // Output: You are not eligible to vote

}

Program Explanation:

• In this code example, we have created a function called checkVotingEligibility that checks voting eligibility based on age.  

• The program starts by taking the voter’s age as an input parameter.

• When the age is entered into the function, then it goes through the conditional (if…else) statement. This condition then checks if the number is greater than or equal (>=) to 18.

• If it satisfies the condition, then the voter is eligible; if not, then they are not eligible to vote.

List of Key Differences Between Algorithm and Program

We have listed below some of the key differences between an algorithm and a program based on eight different factors:

1. Purpose

An​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ algorithm details the entire thought process of finding a solution to a problem. It breaks the problem into smaller, simpler parts. It is like a very detailed guide or roadmap leading you to the correct answer. Algorithms are comprehensible to any human being and do not require technical knowledge or coding skills, as they focus solely on the concept and logic, without providing computer instructions.

A program does precisely the opposite. It takes this logical plan and changes it into an actual, executable code. It converts the steps into a language a computer can understand. A program is what ultimately causes the machine to perform operations, calculations, or actions that result in the output.

2. Language

An algorithm is expressed in simple language, pseudocode, or flowcharts. It is not a formal composition. You merely outline the reasoning in a neat, comprehensible manner, concentrating on what is to be done rather than how the computer will do it. The main objective is to make it understandable to humans, not executable by machines.

Conversely, a program must be written according to the standards of a specific programming language, such as C++, Python, or JavaScript. Each line must strictly adhere to the rules, structure, symbols, and formatting so that the computer can correctly understand and execute it. If you violate the rules, the program won’t work.

3. Execution

An algorithm is not something a computer can execute, as it isn’t written in a form recognizable by a machine. It’s more like a manual that humans have to think through and grasp the solution from.

On the other hand, a program is something that can be executed. When you run the program, the computer breaks it down into instructions and executes them as specified by the code.

4. Dependency

An algorithm does not depend on any specific programming language. It can be written in any language you like, such as English, Hindi, pseudocode, or even a flowchart, and the logic will stay consistent. It is not dependent on syntax or technical rules.

A program is a feature of the language you choose to work with. The manner in which you write your instructions, the symbols you use, and the way you organize your code are the aspects that distinguish one programming language from another. The same thought has to be expressed differently in Java, Python, or C++ because each language has its own set of rules.

5. Flexibility

Because algorithms are written in simple steps, it is very easy to change one of them. If you want to change the logic, add new steps, or correct mistakes, you can do so in no time, without errors or technical problems.

The alteration of a program is not as simple as that of an algorithm. Even a tiny modification can have a ripple effect across different parts of the code, leading to errors. You’re required to update the code carefully and test it to ensure functionality is preserved.

6. Output

An algorithm only makes clear what the output is supposed to be. It does not actually generate the output. It is only a guide that shows the way the solution will be found.

When a program is executed, it yields the actual output. The program delivers what it is supposed to do on the machine and displays the precise result to you, whether a number, text, message, or any other form of output.

7. Errors

Algorithms may contain logical errors. Logical errors occur when the steps or thought process are wrong. Since algorithms are written in plain language, there can’t be any syntax or technical errors; errors can exist only in logical form.

There could be mainly three kinds of technical errors in a program. Syntax errors occur when coding rules are violated. Runtime errors occur while a program is running and are caused by unexpected input or internal issues. Logical errors occur when a program operates correctly but produces incorrect results because of faulty logic.

8. Use

An algorithm is used during the design stage. It helps you organize your thoughts, understand the problem correctly, and plan the correct steps before writing any code.

A program comes into the implementation stage. Once the logic is ready, the program compiles it into executable code that the computer can run. It becomes the real, working solution that users can actually interact with.

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Conclusion

In simple terms, an algorithm is a set of instructions that explains how to solve a problem step by step. At the same time, a program is the actual code written in a programming language like JavaScript, Python, C++, or Java that makes a computer follow those steps. An algorithm cannot run directly on a computer, but a program can be executed to produce real output. Both are connected, but an algorithm focuses on the logic, and a program focuses on converting that logic into a working solution.

FAQs

Why do we need an algorithm before writing a program?

An algorithm helps you plan the logic clearly so you don’t get confused while writing the actual code.

Can one algorithm be used to make programs in different languages?

Yes, the same algorithm can be implemented in JavaScript, Python, C++, or any other language, since the steps remain the same.

How are an algorithm and a program connected?

First, we create an algorithm to plan the solution, and then we convert those steps into a program that the computer can understand and execute.