Backtracking

Backtracking is a problem-solving technique used to find solutions by exploring possible options step-by-step. Imagine you're navigating a maze: you choose a path, follow it, and if you hit a dead end, you backtrack to the last decision point to try a different route. In computational terms, the algorithm systematically tries options, moves forward when they seem promising, and retreats when it becomes clear they won't lead to a solution. This approach is useful for solving puzzles, scheduling, and combinatorial problems where multiple possibilities need to be tested efficiently.