Backtracking
A problem-solving technique exploring solution space by building candidates incrementally and abandoning partial solutions early. Backtracking enables solving constraint satisfaction and combinatorial problems. Pruning reduces search space.
Real World
Sudoku-solving apps like Cracking the Cryptic use backtracking — placing a number, checking constraints, and undoing the choice immediately if a conflict is detected rather than trying every possible grid.
Exam Focus
Use a clear example like N-queens to show how pruning eliminates invalid branches early, reducing search space.
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