ALGOL, which stands for algorithmic language, is a computer language widely used for computer programming in Europe, although it has never become popular in the United States. Developed in Europe in the early 1960s, ALGOL was important for its profound influence on subsequent programming languages, such as Pascal and Modula. ALGOL introduced important control structures, such as the "if" statement, "begin" and "end" blocks for grouping statements into a unit, and more flexible rules for declaring variables.