Schema vs. Algorithm — What's the Difference?

A plan, outline, or model

In mathematics and computer science, an algorithm ( (listen)) is a finite sequence of well-defined, computer-implementable instructions, typically to solve a class of specific problems or to perform a computation. Algorithms are always unambiguous and are used as specifications for performing calculations, data processing, automated reasoning, and other tasks.

(Psychology) A pattern imposed on complex reality or experience to assist in explaining it, mediate perception, or guide response.

A finite set of unambiguous instructions that, given some set of initial conditions, can be performed in a prescribed sequence to achieve a certain goal and that has a recognizable set of end conditions.

An outline or image universally applicable to a general conception, under which it is likely to be presented to the mind (for example, a body schema).

(countable) A collection of ordered steps that solve a mathematical problem. A precise step-by-step plan for a computational procedure that possibly begins with an input value and yields an output value in a finite number of steps.

(databases) A formal description of the structure of a database: the names of the tables, the names of the columns of each table, and the data type and other attributes of each column.

Calculation with Arabic numerals; algorism.

(markup languages) A formal description of data, data types, and data file structures, such as XML schemas for XML files.

A precise rule (or set of rules) specifying how to solve some problem; a set of procedures guaranteed to find the solution to a problem.

(logic) A formula in the metalanguage of an axiomatic system, in which one or more schematic variables appear, which stand for any term or subformula of the system, which may or may not be required to satisfy certain conditions.

A precise rule (or set of rules) specifying how to solve some problem

(Christianity) A monastic habit in the Greek Orthodox Church.

An outline or image universally applicable to a general conception, under which it is likely to be presented to the mind; as, five dots in a line are a schema of the number five; a preceding and succeeding event are a schema of cause and effect.

An internal representation of the world; an organization of concepts and actions that can be revised by new information about the world

A schematic or preliminary plan