Description: HEURISTIC refers to a problem-solving approach that employs a practical method that is not guaranteed to be optimal. This term comes from the Greek ‘heuriskein’, meaning ‘to find’ or ‘to discover’. In the context of computing and programming, heuristics are strategies that allow algorithms to find approximate solutions to complex problems, where an exact solution may be difficult or impossible to obtain in a reasonable time. Heuristics are especially useful in situations where quick and efficient decision-making is required, such as in optimization, data analysis, or artificial intelligence. Often, these methods are based on empirical rules or previous experiences, allowing them to adapt to different contexts and improve over time. The relevance of heuristics lies in their ability to simplify complex processes, facilitating problem-solving in various fields, including computer science, operations research, and cognitive psychology. In general computing contexts, heuristics can be employed to optimize queries, enhance algorithm performance, and support more informed decision-making.
