heuristic

adj 1: (computer science) relating to or using a heuristic rule

2: ofo or relating to a general formulation that serves to

guide investigation [ant: {algorithmic}]

n : a commonsense rule (or set of rules) intended to increase

the probability of solving some problem [syn: {heuristic

rule}, {heuristic program}]

heuristic

1. A rule of thumb, simplification or educated

guess that reduces or limits the search for solutions in

domains that are difficult and poorly understood. Unlike

{algorithms}, heuristics do not guarantee optimal, or even

{feasible}, solutions and are often used with no theoretical

guarantee.

[What is a "feasible solution"?]

2. {approximation algorithm}.

(1998-02-27)