Constraint Solving
Constraint solving is a computational technique for finding solutions to problems defined by a set of constraints (conditions or limitations) that must be satisfied. It involves modeling a problem as variables with domains and constraints, then using algorithms to search for assignments that meet all constraints. This approach is widely used in artificial intelligence, operations research, and software engineering for tasks like scheduling, planning, and configuration.
Developers should learn constraint solving when dealing with combinatorial optimization problems, such as resource allocation, timetabling, or puzzle-solving, where brute-force search is infeasible. It is essential in fields like logistics, game development, and automated testing, as it provides efficient methods to handle complex constraints and find optimal or feasible solutions. For example, it can be used to generate test cases that satisfy specific input conditions or to optimize delivery routes under time and capacity limits.