algorithm

Algorithms are precise sequences of instructions for processes that can be executed by a computer and are implemented using programming languages.

We need to agree on a set of commands and exactly what terms mean
The fewer commands we have, the easier it is to agree
We want to know what are the "primitive" operations - the most basic set of operations that will allow us to do most of the tasks that the situation requires.

The art (and science) of using a well-defined language of primitive operations to solve problems

study of processes -- how can you use a small set of instructions to clearly and correctly define process that will solve some problem?