Deterministic algorithm

A deterministic algorithm is an algorithm in which only defined and reproducible conditions occur. For the same input always follows the same issue and in addition, the same sequence of states traversed. At any time, the subsequent processing step of the algorithm is clearly defined. This means also that all intermediate results within the algorithm are the same.

Colloquially, one might say: "In a statement in the algorithm always followed under the same conditions, the same statement. " In this formulation should be noted however, that the " same conditions " exact same intermediate results and data is meant in each discrete processing step.

The term determinism is to be distinguished from the concept of determinism: A deterministic algorithm is always determined, that is, it always returns the same input, the same output. The converse does not apply: there are algorithms that are non- deterministic, but still determined (ie give the same results ).

Conversely, can not reproducible and undefined states occur in a non-deterministic algorithm. For example, an algorithm which provides a (theoretical) random number, a non- deterministic behavior.

Nondeterministic Turing machines play in theoretical computer science an important role: they enable an algorithm virtually " guess" to. So many problems with much less effort to be solved. Such Turing machines define in complexity theory own complexity class.

Other properties of the algorithm are

• Finiteness ( static: finite description, dynamic: a finite number of resources in the execution )
• Complexity ( amount of computing time and storage, high or low)
• Terminiertheit (result after finitely many steps severity. Terminating / non- terminating )
• Determinacy (same With the same input result, expression: determined, not determined )

Determinism as a property of the world as a whole treated the philosophical determinism. The question of whether the physical processes are deterministic in the world, has far-reaching consequences, among others for the understanding of free will and the concept of God.