Ace the DSST Computing & IT Exam 2025 – Unleash Your Tech-Savvy Superpowers!

An algorithm is defined as a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem. This definition emphasizes the structured nature of algorithms, which consist of a finite sequence of instructions that lead to a solution or outcome based on the input provided. Algorithms are fundamental in the field of computing and are used to perform calculations, process data, or carry out tasks in various software applications.

In the realm of computer science, the clarity of steps and the logical order they must follow are essential for the algorithm to be effective. Each step is designed to bring the process closer to the intended goal, making it easy to understand and implement by programmers. This systematic approach helps ensure that the solution is achievable and verifiable.

The other choices do not accurately represent the concept of an algorithm. A random set of instructions lacks the necessary structure and logic. A specific programming language refers to the syntax and rules used to write code, rather than the process of problem-solving itself. Finally, a compiled version of code refers to the transformation of source code into machine code, which is an entirely different concept from the procedure an algorithm represents.