Intermediate · Research
Anytime algorithm
Visual diagram · (in preparation) · Math · (in preparation) · Worked example · 3 difficulty levels.
TL;DR. An anytime algorithm can return a valid solution at any point during its execution, even if interrupted.
Technical Definition
An anytime algorithm can return a valid solution at any point during its execution, even if interrupted.
How it works
An anytime algorithm is a type of algorithm that can terminate at any time and still provide a useful, albeit potentially refined, solution. The quality of the solution typically improves with more computation time, making them suitable for situations with unpredictable resource constraints.
Related Concepts
- Algorithm — A finite, well-defined sequence of steps used to learn from data or solve a computational problem.