Backtracking: meaning, definitions and examples
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backtracking
[ bรฆkหtrรฆkษชล ]
algorithmic problem-solving
Backtracking is a general algorithm for finding all (or some) solutions to computational problems, particularly constraint satisfaction problems. It incrementally builds candidates to the solutions and abandons a candidate as soon as it is determined that it cannot lead to a valid solution. This technique is particularly useful in scenarios such as puzzles, combinatorial optimization, and various decision-making processes.
Synonyms
exhaustive search, recursion, searching
Examples of usage
- The programmer used backtracking to solve the maze.
- Backtracking can effectively find solutions in constraint satisfaction problems.
- In Sudoku, backtracking allows for finding valid number placements.
Translations
Translations of the word "backtracking" in other languages:
๐ต๐น retrocesso
๐ฎ๐ณ เคชเคถเฅเคเคตเคฐเฅเคคเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Backtracking
๐ฎ๐ฉ penelusuran kembali
๐บ๐ฆ ะฒัะดะบะฐั
๐ต๐ฑ cofanie
๐ฏ๐ต ใใใฏใใฉใใญใณใฐ
๐ซ๐ท retour en arriรจre
๐ช๐ธ retroceso
๐น๐ท geri izleme
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ฐฑํธ๋ํน
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงูุฑุฌูุน
๐จ๐ฟ zpฤtnรฉ sledovรกnรญ
๐ธ๐ฐ spรคtnรฉ sledovanie
๐จ๐ณ ๅๆบฏ
๐ธ๐ฎ nazaj
๐ฎ๐ธ afturhvarf
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฐััาะฐ ัะตะณัะฝั
๐ฌ๐ช แฃแแแ แแแแ แฃแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ geri izleme
๐ฒ๐ฝ retroceso
Etymology
The term 'backtracking' in its computational sense has its roots in algorithmic theory and was popularized in the mid-20th century as computer science began to develop as a field. It derives from the concept of 'tracking back' in search processes when an attempted solution path is found to be unfruitful. The word 'track' comes from the Old French 'tracer', meaning to draw or trace, which perfectly encapsulates the method of following a path in search of a solution and then retracing steps when a dead end is encountered. Backtracking is closely related to recursive algorithms in that it relies on the same basic principle of building partial solutions and abandoning them when they fail to meet the problem's constraints. The methodology has since found applications across various disciplines including operations research, artificial intelligence, mathematics, and game theory.