What is a heuristic function, and where is it used?

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Bhavesh Badani · Answer

What Is a Heuristic Function?
A heuristic function is like a shortcut that helps us find solutions more quickly, even if they’re not perfect.Imagine you’re trying to find the shortest route to your friend’s house. Instead of checking every possible road, you might use a heuristic like “always take the main road” or “follow the signs to the nearest highway.” These shortcuts save time, even though they might not guarantee the absolute best route.
How Heuristics Are Used:
In artificial intelligence (AI) and problem-solving, heuristics play a crucial role.When faced with complex problems or vast amounts of data, heuristics help us make decisions faster.For example:
Chess: In chess-playing AI, a heuristic function estimates how good a move is based on simple rules (like prioritizing capturing opponent pieces).Route Planning: GPS apps use heuristics to find approximate routes quickly, even if they’re not always optimal.Search Algorithms: When exploring options (like finding the shortest path), heuristics guide the search by ranking alternatives based on available information.
Trade-Offs:
Heuristics trade accuracy for speed. They’re like choosing the express checkout lane at the grocery store—it’s faster, but you might miss out on a better deal.

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What is a heuristic function, and where is it used?

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