Algorithms: Think Like a Coder 🧩

What Is an Algorithm? 🥪

An algorithm is just a recipe: a list of steps that solves a problem. Making a sandwich? That's an algorithm! Computers follow their recipes exactly, step by step — so the steps must be clear and in the right order.

Flowcharts: Drawing Your Plan 🗺️

Coders draw their steps before writing code. A flowchart shows the path a program takes — including decisions, where the answer can be YES or NO.

Loops: Repeat Without Getting Tired 🔁

Imagine telling a robot "beep" 100 times. Exhausting! A loop says it once: "repeat 100 times: beep." Try the loop machine:

Sorting: Putting Things in Order 📊

Bubble sort compares two neighbours at a time — the bigger one "bubbles" to the right, again and again, until everything is in order. Watch it happen:

Searching: Find It Fast 🔎

To find a number from 1–20 you could check every single one… or be clever! Binary search always guesses the middle, then throws away half. Watch how few guesses it needs:

Basic Logic: AND, OR, NOT 🧠

Computers make decisions with three little words. AND means both things must be true. OR means at least one is true. NOT flips it around.

Example: "You can have ice cream IF you finished dinner AND it's not bedtime." 🍦

Your Mission 🏆

Try these offline challenges — no computer needed:

• Write an algorithm for brushing your teeth (don't skip a step!)
• Sort your books by height using bubble sort — compare two at a time
• Play "guess my number 1–100" with a friend using binary search — you'll win in 7 guesses or fewer!
• Draw a flowchart for choosing what to wear tomorrow