A computer algorithm is a step-by-step set of instructions that a computer follows to solve a problem or complete a task. Think of it like a recipe in a cookbook: just as a recipe guides you through cooking a dish, an algorithm guides the computer in processing data or performing calculations. Algorithms can be simple, like adding two numbers, or complex, like sorting a list of names. Algorithms are essential in many areas of technology, from search engines that help you find information online to social media platforms that recommend friends or posts. They help computers make decisions quickly and efficiently, enabling everything from online shopping to video streaming.