What is the difference between an algorithm and a programming model (or paradigm)?
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4I am not sure if you refer to a [programming paradigm](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Programming_paradigm) (OOP, procedural, functional) or to a [computation model](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_of_computation) (turing machine, RAM machine, DFA)? Or something entirely different? – amit Sep 24 '12 at 14:52
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An algorithm is a predetermined set of rules for conducting computational steps that produce a computational effect. A programming model is a framework for expressing algorithms, but is not an algorithm itself.
For example, quicksort is an algorithm as it has a predetermined set of rules for carrying out steps to sort an array. Event-driven programming is a programming model; in itself, it does not tell how to carry out steps to solve an actual problem but it provides a framework for expressing algorithms (in an event-driven manner).
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Antti Huima
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If you want its definition, just look for Computational Model on Wikipedia. There you find
A computational model is a mathematical model in computational science that requires extensive computational resources to study the behavior of a complex system by computer simulation
In other words, suppose you have a physical system, from a bullet to an aircraft, and you want to study its effects on the environment via simulation. You must build a proper mathematical model (ie. combine Newton's laws with fluid mechanics) and then translate that model, based on equations, into another kind of model that is suitable for a computer.
In the case of nonlinear differential equations (a bullet's trajectory is linear AFAIK) this has a greater sense because there is no algorithm that extracts the exact mathematical solution from a nonlinear differential problem.
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