Inputs, Processes, & Outputs

what’s needed to create an algorithm

• To create an algorithm, the inputs, processes and outputs must be identified

What is an input?

• An input is data or information being entered/taken into a program before it is processed in the algorithm

• An input can come from a variety of sources, such as:

  • User - keyboard, mouse, controller, microphone

  • Sensors - temperature, pressure, movement

what’s a process

• A process is a doing action performed in the algorithm that transforms inputs into the desired output. The central processing unit (CPU) executes the instructions that define the process

examples of process

• Comparing two numbers

• Calculating an average

What is an output?

• An output is the result of the processing in an algorithm and usually the way a user can see if an algorithm works as intended

what are some forms of an output?

• An output can take various forms, such as:

  • Numbers - result of calculations

  • Text

  • Images

  • Actions - triggering events