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Glite Dictionary
heuristic program

heuristic program

8.4
A computer program that uses simple rules to find good solutions when checking every choice is impossible
  • noun
  • /hjʊˈrɪstɪk ˈprɒɡræm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : programa heurístico
  • The university developed a new heuristic program to optimize delivery routes.

Examples

  • Many chess computers rely on a heuristic program rather than trying every possible move.

  • A heuristic program can help diagnose medical conditions with limited data.

  • The heuristic program solved the complex problem quickly.

  • Can you explain how a heuristic program works?

  • The software uses a heuristic program to optimize search results when an exact algorithm is too slow.

  • Developers often rely on a heuristic program for complex problem-solving where traditional methods fail.

  • A heuristic program can assist in making quick decisions based on past data and patterns.

How Heuristic

heuristic program
  • Specialized
8.4
logic programming
  • Specialized
6.7
algorithmic program
  • Specialized
6.0
determinacy
  • Specialized
8.2

Surface Forms

heuristic program singular
heuristic programs plural

Morphology

heuristic + program

The phrase is a regular adjective+noun combination: 'heuristic' (using rule-of-thumb or trial-and-error methods) modifies 'program' (software), so a learner who knows both words can infer it is a program that uses heuristic methods. Although somewhat technical, the meaning is compositionally derived and follows standard English modification patterns, making it understandable to learners who know the constituent words.

Etymology

The term heuristic program comes from the image of a heuristic as a simple 'rule of thumb' that a program uses to follow shortcuts instead of checking every option. So a heuristic program is a program that makes good guesses to solve hard problems quickly.