Visualizing Backtracking
Here are some ways to visualize the backtracking algorithm:
Tree diagram:
Backtracking can be depicted as tree recursion. Each recursive call generates child subproblems. Backtracking occurs by returning to parent calls after exploring a branch.
For example, here is a tree for the N Queens problem, where each node represents trying a queen in a different column:
graph TD
A[Try col 1] --> B[Try col 2]
B --> C[Try col 3]
C --> D[Found solution]
C --> E[Try col 3 again]
B --> F[Try col 2 again]
Pseudocode tracing:
Step through backtracking pseudocode iteratively showing the recursive calls and returns. For example:
explore(1)
explore(2)
explore(3) - solution found!
return
explore(2) again
explore(1) again
Visualizing the stack:
Show how the recursive calls form a stack that “unwinds” as solutions are found or branches are pruned.
These representations depict backtracking as systematically exploring a search space through tree recursion or stack operations. The key is illustrating recursive calls, backtracking, and pruning branches.
Place holder, refer the Mac Pro desktop and google doc notes