constraint programming
nounUK /kənˈstreɪnt ˈprəʊɡræmɪŋ/
US /kənˈstreɪnt ˈproʊɡræmɪŋ/
A way of telling a computer what rules must be followed so it can find a good answer.
Using constraint programming, the app found a class schedule that fits everyone's free time.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A programming paradigm where relationships between variables are stated as constraints rather than step-by-step instructions.
The team modeled the delivery routes with constraint programming to minimize fuel use.
3. A problem-solving technique used in AI for finding values that satisfy a set of limits.
Constraint programming helped the puzzle solver place all queens without conflicts.
4. An approach in operations research for handling scheduling and resource allocation tasks.
The hospital used constraint programming to assign nurses to shifts fairly.