What is an algorithm?

An algorithm is defined as a systematic procedure for solving a problem. This definition emphasizes that an algorithm is a well-defined sequence of steps or rules designed to accomplish a specific task or achieve a desired outcome. Algorithms can be expressed in various forms, including natural language, pseudocode, or programming languages, and they can be used across different fields such as mathematics, computer science, and data analysis.

The systematic aspect of an algorithm implies that it follows a clear and logical sequence that can be repeated and applied to different instances of the problem. This ensures that given the same initial conditions, an algorithm produces the same results every time it is executed.

In contrast, the other options focus on distinct concepts that do not encapsulate the essence of what an algorithm is. For instance, complex data structures, while related to programming, represent ways of organizing and storing data rather than the solution process of a problem. A type of class in object-oriented programming pertains to a blueprint for creating objects but does not define the problem-solving approach inherent in algorithms. Lastly, a programming error refers to mistakes in code that lead to incorrect outputs, which is not relevant to the definition of algorithms as structured methods of problem-solving.