A procedure for solving a problem in a finite number of steps, frequently involving repetition of an operation, as by a computer. Data compression and creating lists of random numbers are uses of algorithms. An alternative name assigned to a system, to a program, to an electronic mail address, or to another object. ALO at least once. A test of the code-complete product by a select group of users, usually internal to the developer's company.
Alpha testing follows integration and system testing.
ANSI American National Standards Institute. The organization that sets the standards for many technical fields and provides the most common standard for computer terminals. API application programming interface. A set of functions, procedures, values, or other defined interface standards that an application uses to request and carry out services performed by another program or by an operating system. A single API typically specifies how input should be requested and obtained, and how output should be done.