ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Correctness (computer science)

Correctness in computer science means that a computer program is doing what it's supposed to do, and it's not making any mistakes. Think of it like a math problem - when you solve a math problem and get the right answer, that answer is correct. The same applies to a computer program.

For example, imagine you have a computer program that's supposed to add two numbers together. If you give it the numbers 2 and 3, it should give you the answer 5. If it gives you the wrong answer, like 6, then it's not correct.

Programmers use a lot of tools and techniques to make sure their programs are correct. They write something called "code" which is like a recipe that tells the computer what to do. They also use something called "testing" which means they try out the program with different inputs to make sure it gives the right answers.

It's really important for computer programs to be correct because if they're not, they can cause all kinds of problems. For example, if a program that controls traffic lights makes a mistake, it could cause a big traffic jam! So, correctness is very important in computer science.