An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or set of rules designed to solve a specific problem or perform a particular task. It’s essentially a finite sequence of well-defined instructions that can be executed in a finite amount of time and that, when followed correctly, will lead to the solution of the problem at hand. Algorithms are used extensively in computer science, mathematics, and various other fields to automate processes, analyze data, and make decisions. They are the building blocks of computer programs and play a crucial role in modern technology.