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backtracking
This term describes a reversal of direction, whether physical, intellectual, or computational. When used physically, it implies a literal return along a previous path to correct a mistake or find a lost item. In a social or political context, it carries a negative connotation of inconsistency or weakness, suggesting that someone is retreating from a commitment because of pressure or a change in circumstances.
In computer science, the term refers to a specific algorithmic strategy. Unlike the social sense, which implies failure or instability, the computational sense describes a systematic and efficient method of problem-solving through trial and error. As a noun, it is typically uncountable when referring to the general process or algorithm, but can be countable when referring to specific instances of retraction.
Ý nghĩa
The act of returning over the same route one has just traveled.
After realizing he had taken a wrong turn, he began backtracking to the last intersection.
The act of retracting a statement, opinion, or commitment, often to avoid conflict or admit an error.
The politician's sudden backtracking on the tax proposal surprised his supporters.
A computational algorithm that searches for a solution by exploring all possible paths and abandoning a path as soon as it is determined that it cannot lead to a valid solution.
The software uses backtracking to solve the complex Sudoku puzzle efficiently.