Beginner · Fundamentals
Branching factor
Visual diagram · (in preparation) · Math · (in preparation) · Worked example · 3 difficulty levels.
TL;DR. The number of children or possible next moves from a given node in a tree structure, commonly used in search algorithms and game theory.
Technical Definition
The number of children or possible next moves from a given node in a tree structure, commonly used in search algorithms and game theory.
How it works
The branching factor refers to the number of possible choices or child nodes available from any given node in a tree. In AI search algorithms, a higher branching factor means more possibilities to explore at each step, which can significantly increase the complexity and search space. It's a key factor in determining the efficiency of search algorithms.
Related Concepts
- Game theory — The mathematical study of strategic interactions between rational decision-makers.
- Search algorithm — A process for finding information or solutions within data or a problem space.