An algorithm is a set of predefined rules and mathematical formulas that guide a computer program in performing tasks or making decisions. It involves a sequence of operations and conditional statements—such as ‘if/then’ logic—that enable the program to process data, solve problems, and determine the most appropriate course of action in a fraction of the time it would take a human to do the same.
In the context of search engines, an algorithm is the complex system that analyzes various factors of web pages, such as content relevance, user experience, and site authority, to rank them accordingly in the search results for specific queries. The goal of these algorithms is to provide users with the most relevant and valuable content in response to their search terms.