What do we call a detailed sequence of steps designed to accomplish a specific task?

A detailed sequence of steps designed to accomplish a specific task is known as an algorithm. An algorithm is a finite set of well-defined instructions or rules that lead to a solution or the completion of a task. It provides a step-by-step approach that can be implemented to solve problems or perform actions efficiently and effectively.

In the context of computing and programming, algorithms play a crucial role in various applications, from simple calculations to complex problem-solving in software development. They are essential for guiding the computer on how to process data or execute commands, ensuring clarity and structure in programming.

While flowcharts, instruction sets, and procedures are related concepts, they serve different purposes. Flowcharts represent algorithms visually, aiding in understanding the flow of the process but do not themselves provide the step-by-step detail in textual form. Instruction sets are more specific to a collection of machine-level commands that a CPU can execute, which are not necessarily designed for a broader task. Procedures can involve algorithms, but they often refer to set routines or methods within a program that may not detail every step explicitly in the way an algorithm does.