Mobile phones, ATMs, modern cars, televisions, e-readers: none of them would work without software. The heart of software is formed by algorithms: step-by-step procedures to perform given tasks. Algorithms can be executed by computers, but also by persons.
For instance, suppose you hold twenty cards in your hand, each with a different number on them. Your task is to create a stack containing the cards in sorted order, with the lowest numbered card at the bottom and the highest numbered card on top of the stack. A simple algorithm for this task is the following. Go over the cards in your hand one by one, to find the lowest numbered card. Put this card as the bottom card on the stack. Then go over the remaining cards in your hand, to find the next lowest-numbered card, and put it on top of the previously selected card. Repeat this procedure until all cards are on the stack.
In order for an algorithm to be executed by a computer it has to be implemented in computer code, typically in a computer language like Java or C++. When the description of the algorithm is sufficiently precise, implementing it is not very difficult for a skilled programmer. Thus, when you want a certain task to be performed by computer the challenge lies in coming up with a good algorithm.
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A very simple example of an algorithm. Drawing lines between the points following there labeling will draw a rabbit.
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