terminating algorithm

noun

UK /ˈtɜːmɪneɪtɪŋ ˈælɡərɪðəm/

US /ˈtɜːrmɪneɪtɪŋ ˈælɡərɪðəm/

A set of steps that always stops after a while instead of going on forever.

The teacher explained that a terminating algorithm must finish its work in a limited number of steps.

SYNONYMS

halting algorithm finite procedure convergent algorithm finite process

RELATED WORDS

termination loop recursion halting problem computation

OTHER MEANINGS

2. An algorithm proven to reach a final answer for every allowed input.

The sorting routine is a terminating algorithm because it always returns a sorted list.

3. A procedure in computer science that is guaranteed to halt rather than loop endlessly.

Researchers checked whether the new search method is a terminating algorithm.

4. A step-by-step method that ends with a clear stop condition.

Adding a counter made the program a terminating algorithm.