What term describes a structured step-by-step description of a program?

An algorithm is defined as a structured step-by-step description of how to accomplish a specific task or solve a problem. It serves as a blueprint for programming and provides a clear set of instructions that can be followed to achieve a desired outcome. The nature of an algorithm is inherently sequential and logical, ensuring that each step leads effectively to the final goal.

In programming, algorithms can be expressed in various forms, including natural language, pseudocode, or visual representation through flowcharts. However, the core concept remains that an algorithm outlines the specific steps needed to perform a task, making it fundamental to programming logic and development.

The term "procedure," while sometimes used interchangeably with algorithms, typically refers to a specific implementation of a set of instructions within a programming language, often encapsulated in a function or method.

Flowcharts, on the other hand, are visual representations of algorithms, illustrating the flow of control through different steps in a process but not describing the steps in a textual manner.

Lastly, data structures refer to the organization and storage of data within a program, which is separate from the concept of describing the steps taken to manipulate that data. Therefore, the correct understanding aligns with recognizing that an algorithm specifically provides a descriptive sequence crucial for programming tasks.