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🔄 Changing decision 🧩 Problem-solving method ↩️ Going back
backtracking

backtracking

1 7.2
To try different options and undo steps when a chosen way fails
  • noun
  • /ˈbækˌtrækɪŋ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : retroceso
  • The backtracking algorithm is faster than a simple random walk and provides a group of solutions that are homogeneously distributed.
  • backtracking algorithm

And so my challenge is right, Python programme which uses backtracking to solve this puzzle.

Examples

  • While the broad idea seemed to sound correct, looking into the defining characteristics of the genre showed me things such as power-up-based progression and backtracking, both of which do not work with the current design, plot, or world-building.

    Blog text (29)

  • The backtracking method helped the programmer debug the code by checking each step for errors.

  • I did some backtracking after your report came in and was able to put the pieces together.

    Fiction book (1997)

  • Now you might ask me, is backtracking therefore always part of depth first search?

  • But to allow backtracking, the function must be able to quit the current path calculation.

    Blog text (5)

  • Several times it came to dead ends or blind corners that required hasty backtracking.

    Fiction book (1992)

  • The detective used backtracking to solve the case by revisiting critical locations and clues.

  • After reaching a dead end in the puzzle, she relied on backtracking to find the correct path.

Synonyms

trial-and-error
vsbacktracking
2 4.1

Solving a problem by trying different ways and learning from mistakes until you succeed

undoes steps systematically when a chosen path fails to find a solution

How Thorough

exhaustive
  • Formal
32 6.6
to anneal
  • Specialized
9.3
backtracking
  • Specialized
1 7.2
to search
∞ 1.0
guess
768 1.0

Surface Forms

backtracking singular
backtrackings plural

Morphology

backtracking = backtrack (semi-transparent) = back + track + ing

Formed from 'back' + 'track' + '-ing' and the structure is clear, but the technical algorithmic sense is specialized and not obvious to all learners.

Etymology

Backtracking is made of back and track, which gives the image of 'going back along a path'. In problem solving and computer programs, it means trying a path and then 'going back' when it fails so you can try a different option.