What are the differences between various Sudoku solving algorithms?

What are the differences between various Sudoku solving algorithms?

There are several algorithms for solving Sudoku, including backtracking, constraint propagation, and dancing links. Would you like a detailed comparison?

Yes, please explain backtracking and constraint propagation.

Backtracking is a brute-force method that tries every possibility until it finds a solution. Constraint propagation reduces the search space by eliminating impossible values early on.

Which algorithm is generally faster?

Constraint propagation is often faster for most puzzles because it narrows down possibilities quickly, while backtracking can be slower due to its exhaustive nature.

Are there any algorithms that combine both methods?

Yes, some advanced algorithms combine backtracking with constraint propagation to optimize the solving process, improving efficiency.