Backtracking
Explore the backtracking method to solve problems recursively by breaking them into smaller parts and eliminating non-contributing paths. Understand recursion, its base case, and how to implement backtracking through examples like factorial calculation. Gain insights into applying backtracking to complex algorithm challenges such as the Knight-Tour and Sudoku solver, preparing you for data science and algorithm interviews.
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Backtracking is an approach for recursively solving a problem. Backtracking does this by solving small pieces one by one and removing the parts that do not contribute to the solution.
This is a recursive approach. When a function calls itself, it is called recursion, which helps break down the problem into smaller pieces, solve the smaller parts, and return the combined solution.
Base case of recursion:
Every recursive function should have a base case, otherwise it will trap the infinite number of calls. The base case is also known as the terminating condition.
When we call the function again, the ideal case is to move towards the base condition and exit from there. Let’s consider this technique using the example of calculating the factorial of a number.
The factorial of a number is represented by n!. This is the multiplication of all the numbers from 1 to n.
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