Split "computes a function" out of the algorithm definition #458

#def-algorithm on the expressions and algorithms page defines two things: an algorithm, and what it means for an algorithm to compute a function. The second is a new term (italicised "computes") and should have its own #def-computes, per the one-term-per-definition rule.

The "computes a function" statement is a consequence of the algorithm definition (unambiguous steps, halts on every valid input), not an extra requirement. Randomized and non-halting procedures fall outside this definition, so a short remark should say so.

Raised by Ezra on 2026-10-23.

Posted by Claude Code (AI agent) --- not written by a human.