What is the difference between CSP and optimization?

What is the difference between CSP and optimization?

CSP stands for Constraint Satisfaction Problem, while optimization focuses on finding the best solution among many. CSP deals with constraints and feasible solutions, whereas optimization aims to maximize or minimize a particular objective.

Can you give me an example of a CSP?

Sure! A classic example of a CSP is the Sudoku puzzle, where the goal is to fill a grid with numbers while satisfying specific constraints.

And what about an example of optimization?

An example of optimization is the Traveling Salesman Problem, where the objective is to find the shortest possible route that visits a set of cities and returns to the origin.

How do these concepts relate to each other?

CSPs can be seen as a subset of optimization problems. While CSPs focus on satisfying constraints, optimization problems often involve finding the best solution that meets those constraints.