Mechanisms
MECHANISMS EXPLAINED
A step by step procedure for solving a problem
An algorithm is a sequence of well-defined steps required to carry out a technique - it could be written in plain English.
Detecting/correcting errors is primarily an algorithm (e.g. Luhn algorithm for credit cards - there's a list here)
Cryptography is a strong mixture of algorithms (e.g. RSA , Diffie-Hellman, DES, AES...)
An algorithm takes some input and uses mathematics and logic to produce the output
A method for accomplishing a desired aim
A technique is a way of doing something
A way of carrying out a particular task, especially the execution or performance of an artistic work or a scientific procedure.
Protocols are followed by sites to ensure that they are safe and trustworthy.
A set of conventions or rules
Protocols are the instructions for two devices to talk to each other.
Protocol (object-oriented programming), a common means for unrelated objects to communicate with each other (sometimes also called interfaces; related to duck typing).
Communication protocol, a defined set of rules and regulations that determine how data is transmitted in telecommunications and computer networking
Cryptographic protocol, a protocol for encrypting messages
A series of steps followed in a regular order, an established way of doing things
A procedure is the computer code that carries out the algorithm or part of an algorithm (and can have different meanings in terms of function, subroutine etc).