Western Governors University (WGU) ICSC2100 C949 Data Structures and Algorithms I Practice Exam

The primary characteristic of an algorithm is that it provides a step-by-step procedure for problem-solving. An algorithm is a defined sequence of instructions that outline exactly how to solve a particular problem or perform a computation. This procedural aspect is fundamental because it allows for the systematic processing of information to reach a desired outcome.

Algorithms are essential in computer science and programming, as they dictate the logic that underpins software applications, data processing, and many different types of computations. They can be expressed in various forms, such as natural language, pseudocode, or programming languages, but their core purpose remains the same: to lay out a clear path to follow in order to solve a specific problem.

The other options, while related to computing or data, do not define the nature of an algorithm itself. A graphical representation of data, for instance, pertains more to data visualization, and defining a data structure focuses on how data is organized rather than on problem-solving procedures. Similarly, techniques in data visualization help present data efficiently but are not intrinsically tied to the problem-solving aspect typical of algorithms.