An algorithm is a finite sequence of well-defined, unambiguous steps written in simple English to solve a given problem in a finite amount of time.
The word algorithm is derived from the name of the Persian mathematician Abu Ja’far Mohammed ibn Musa al-Khowarizmi.

Advantages :

1. Easy to understand as it uses simple English.
2. Independent of any programming language.
3. Acts as a blueprint for writing the program.

Disadvantages

1. Difficult to write for large and complex problems.
2. Branching and looping are not shown clearly.
3. Time-consuming to prepare.