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What is an Algorithm?

An Algorithm is a set of step-by-step instructions for solving a problem or completing a task, similar to a recipe. In computing, algorithms tell a computer how to process inputs such as data to produce an output, such as a decision, prediction, or sorted list. Some algorithms are simple and fixed, while others “learn” patterns from data, as in machine learning.

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Algorithm mentioned at Stanford HAI

Explore Similar Terms

Model | Loss Function | Optimization Algorithm

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Using Algorithm Audits to Understand AI
Danaë Metaxa, Jeffrey Hancock
Quick ReadOct 06
policy brief

This brief reviews the history of algorithm auditing, describes its current state, and offers best practices for conducting algorithm audits today.

Using Algorithm Audits to Understand AI

Danaë Metaxa, Jeffrey Hancock
Quick ReadOct 06

This brief reviews the history of algorithm auditing, describes its current state, and offers best practices for conducting algorithm audits today.

Ethics, Equity, Inclusion
Privacy, Safety, Security
policy brief
Are Universal Self-Supervised Learning Algorithms Within Reach?
Andrew Myers
Jan 19
news

A new benchmarking tool helps AI scholars train algorithms that work on any domain, from images to text, video, medical images, and more — all at the same time.

Are Universal Self-Supervised Learning Algorithms Within Reach?

Andrew Myers
Jan 19

A new benchmarking tool helps AI scholars train algorithms that work on any domain, from images to text, video, medical images, and more — all at the same time.

Machine Learning
news
Danaë Metaxa: Algorithms Change How We Think About the World and Ourselves
Danaë Metaxa
Jan 04
news

The Stanford Ph.D student and first-generation American examines algorithmic representation and its impact on our sense of belonging.

Danaë Metaxa: Algorithms Change How We Think About the World and Ourselves

Danaë Metaxa
Jan 04

The Stanford Ph.D student and first-generation American examines algorithmic representation and its impact on our sense of belonging.

Machine Learning
news