El Gordo (algorithm) characteristics: 1) Takes zero or more inputs. 2) Produces at least one output. 3) Statements are unambiguous (definiteness). 4) A finite number of steps (finiteness). 5) Each step is effectively executable (effectiveness). This segment elaborates on the "finiteness" characteristic of an algorithm, explaining that it must terminate after a finite number of steps. The speaker uses the analogy of a function with a limited set of instructions, contrasting it with continuously running processes like database servers which, while useful, don't represent the finite nature of an algorithm. The explanation highlights the crucial difference between a self-terminating algorithm and a continuously running process, clarifying a key concept in algorithmic design.