The Definition of a C++ Algorithm

In general, an algorithm is a description of a procedure that terminates with a result. For example, the factorial of a number x is x multiplied by x-1 multiplied by x-2 and so on until it is multiplied by 1. The factorial of 6 is 6! = 6 x 5 x 4 x 3 x 2 x 1=720. This is an algorithm that follows a set procedure and terminates in a result.

In computer science and programming, an algorithm is a set of steps used by a program to accomplish a task. Once you learn about algorithms in C++, you can use them in your programming to save yourself time and to make your programs run faster. New algorithms are being designed all the time, but you can start with the algorithms that have proven to be reliable in the C++ programming language.

Algorithms in C++

In C++, the designation identifies a group of functions that run on a designated range of elements. The algorithms are used to solve problems or provide functionality. Algorithms work exclusively on values; they don't affect the size or storage of a container. Simple algorithms can be implemented within a function. Complex algorithms might require several functions or even a class to implement them.

Classifications and Examples of Algorithms in C++

Some algorithms in C++, such as find-if, search, and count are sequence operations that don't make changes, while remove, reverse, and replace are algorithms that modify operations. The classifications of algorithms with a few examples are:

• Non-modifying sequence modifications (find-if, equal, all_of)
• Modifying sequence operations (copy, remove, transform)
• Sorting (sort, partial sort, nth_element)
• Binary Search (lower_bound, upper_bound)
• Partitions (partition, partition_copy)
• Merge (includes, set_intersection, merge)
• Heap (make_heap, push_heap) 
• Min/max (min, max,min_element) 

A list of the most common C++ algorithms and example code for many of them are available online in C++ documentation and on user websites.