Polynomial hierarchy

The polynomial hierarchy (PH) is a theoretical framework in computational complexity that classifies problems based on their difficulty and the types of questions needed to solve them. It extends the classes P and NP by adding multiple layers, each representing problems that involve asking increasingly complex yes/no questions. Think of it as a layered map where each level contains problems more intricate than the one below. This hierarchy helps researchers understand the structure of computational problems and whether certain problems are fundamentally harder than others. While mostly theoretical, it's crucial for understanding the limits of algorithmic problem-solving.