I have a huge jigsaw puzzle to assemble

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Greg Bernhardt
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around assembling a large jigsaw puzzle, focusing on the strategies and algorithms that can be applied to the process. Participants explore different algorithmic paradigms that may relate to puzzle assembly.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their approach to assembling the puzzle, mentioning the growth of assembled pieces and the shrinking number of remaining pieces.
  • Another participant references Herb Simon's "Watchmaker's" paradigm, suggesting a possible connection to the initial approach.
  • A participant proposes the "greedy algorithm" as a relevant strategy for puzzle assembly.
  • Another participant suggests the "Divide and Conquer" algorithm as an alternative method.
  • A later reply acknowledges a contribution from Robert Zaleski, indicating some level of agreement or recognition of a point made.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views regarding the algorithms applicable to puzzle assembly, with no consensus reached on a single correct approach.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the definitions and applicability of the algorithms mentioned may not be fully explored, and the discussion does not resolve which algorithm is most suitable for the task.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in algorithmic strategies, puzzle assembly techniques, or those studying computational methods may find this discussion relevant.

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I have a huge jigsaw puzzle to assemble. I start by looking through the pieces and see if there are pairs I can join. Then, I look through the pairs and see what other pieces I can add on. The size of my assembled pieces grows and their number shrinks. I am using the algorithmic paradigm called...
 
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Herb Simon (Nobel laureate) had something called the "Watchmaker's" paradigm. I wonder if that's what you have in mind. He was a neat guy---I worked as a research assistant for him for a while
 
The greedy algorithm.

P.S. Would you indicate which answer was correct if someone posts multiples. (like brainteaser 65)
 
Divide and Conquer algorithm
 

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