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Backtracking in Computer Science

Backtracking is a systematic method for exploring potential solutions to computational problems through incremental construction and trial and error. It is particularly effective for constraint satisfaction problems, such as the N-Queens problem and Sudoku, where invalid paths are pruned to enhance efficiency. The technique relies on principles of choice, constraints, and goal definition, utilizing depth-first search and optimization strategies to improve performance.

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2 views10 pages

Backtracking in Computer Science

Backtracking is a systematic method for exploring potential solutions to computational problems through incremental construction and trial and error. It is particularly effective for constraint satisfaction problems, such as the N-Queens problem and Sudoku, where invalid paths are pruned to enhance efficiency. The technique relies on principles of choice, constraints, and goal definition, utilizing depth-first search and optimization strategies to improve performance.

Uploaded by

akshatmathur0007
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Backtracking in Computer

Science
Principles, Algorithms, and Applications

Presented by: Akshat

Date: 30th April 2025

by Akshat Mathur
Introduction to
Backtracking
Algorithmic Incremental
Exploration Construction
Backtracking is a It builds potential
methodical way to search solutions step-by-step,
through all possible through trial and error,
combinations to find expanding candidates
solutions to piece by piece.
computational problems.

Pruning Invalid Paths


When a partial solution cannot lead to a valid answer, it is
abandoned immediately, improving efficiency.
Core Principles of Backtracking
Choice Constraint Goal Optimization

Decisions that lead the Conditions that must be Clear criteria defining Uses depth-first search
algorithm to explore satisfied to keep a what constitutes a combined with pruning
different possible states candidate solution valid successful and complete to reduce unnecessary
systematically. and feasible. solution. exploration.
Backtracking Algorithm Template
Start with Candidate
Evaluate if the current candidate meets the success criteria.

Try Each Possible Choice


Expand the solution by exploring one option at a time in depth.

Validate and Recurse


If the new candidate remains valid, continue deeper to seek a solution.

Backtrack on Failure
If no option leads to a solution, abandon this path and return failure.
Example: N-Queens Problem
Problem Setup Constraints Backtracking Optimization
Approach
Place N queens on an • One queen per row Prune invalid placements
N×N chessboard so that • One queen per column Place a queen, check for early to reduce
no two threaten each safety, then recursively unnecessary checks and
• No two queens on the
other. place the next queen, speed up the search.
same diagonal
backing up when invalid.
Algorithm for N-Queens
1 Base Case
When all rows are filled, the board represents a complete and
valid solution.

2 Try Columns
For each column in the current row, test if placing a queen is safe.

3 Recursive Call
If safe, place the queen and recurse to the next row; otherwise
backtrack.

4 Backtracking Step
Remove the queen if no valid placements follow and try the
next column.
Application: Sudoku
Solver
Problem Definition Constraints
Fill a 9×9 grid so each row, • Digits 1-9 only
column, and 3×3 box • No duplicate digits in any
contains digits 1 through 9 row, column or block
without repetition.

Backtracking Method
Try each digit in empty cells, check for validity, and recursively
proceed or backtrack.
Application: Combinatorial Optimization
Knapsack Problem
Select items to maximize value without exceeding weight limits.

Constraint Satisfaction Problems


Assign values to variables satisfying complex constraints.

Graph Coloring
Color vertices so that no adjacent nodes share the same color.
Performance Considerations
Time Complexity Optimization Techniques Memory Usage

In the worst case, backtracking has • Constraint propagation Depends on recursion depth and
exponential time complexity, • Heuristics to guess better storage of candidate states,
exploring all possible branches. candidates usually manageable with pruning.

• Branch and bound


• Alpha-beta pruning in game search
Summary

Understand Core
Optimization is Key Principles
Best for Constraint
Effective pruning and Mastering choice, constraints,
Powerful Problem- Satisfaction
heuristics greatly improve and goal definition enables
Solving Technique
Ideal for problems with strict performance and practicality. efficient and clean
Backtracking systematically rules and conditions, such as implementations.
explores potential solutions puzzles, scheduling, or
using controlled trial and optimization.
error.

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