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backtracking

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backtracking [′bak‚trak·iŋ]
(computer science)
A method of solving problems automatically by a systematic search of the possible solutions; the invalid solutions are eliminated and are not retried.
(algorithm)backtracking - A scheme for solving a series of sub-problems each of which may have multiple possible solutions and where the solution chosen for one sub-problem may affect the possible solutions of later sub-problems.

To solve the overall problem, we find a solution to the first sub-problem and then attempt to recursively solve the other sub-problems based on this first solution. If we cannot, or we want all possible solutions, we backtrack and try the next possible solution to the first sub-problem and so on. Backtracking terminates when there are no more solutions to the first sub-problem.

This is the algorithm used by logic programming languages such as Prolog to find all possible ways of proving a goal. An optimisation known as "intelligent backtracking" keeps track of the dependencies between sub-problems and only re-solves those which depend on an earlier solution which has changed.

Backtracking is one algorithm which can be used to implement nondeterminism. It is effectively a depth-first search of a problem space.
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The site, in Grangegorman, Co Dublin, was supposed to house the DIT, a primary school, and a library but Mr Brady fears the Government is backtracking.
FF man alert on site plan; POLITICS by The Mirror (London, England)
CARDIFF Central AM Jenny Randerson has hit out at Health Minister Edwina Hart, accusing her of backtracking on the provision of bone cancer drug Lenalidomine.
Minister under fire over drug by South Wales Echo (Cardiff, Wales)
Mr Price told ministers at Commons question time: "Do you understand that in that community there is fear the Government may be backtracking on the scale of the project?
Wales :Defence academy delayed by Daily Post (Liverpool, England)
 
 
 
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