Solving N Queens
Problem With
Backtracking
NAME : CHIRANTAN MONDAL
STUDENT CODE : BWU/BTA/22/326
SECTION : F
COURSE CODE : PCC-CSM 402
Ca
COURSE NAME : DESIGN AND
ANALYSIS OF ALGORITHMS
Backtracking Algorithm
Explanation
Backtracking is a powerful algorithmic
technique used to solve complex problems by
systematically enumerating all possible
solutions and checking if each solution satisfies
the problem's statement. In the context of the
N Queens problem, backtracking helps us find
all valid arrangements of queens on the
chessboard.
The algorithm works by placing a queen on the
board, then recursively trying to place the
remaining queens in the available positions. If
a placement leads to an invalid solution, the
algorithm backtracks and tries a different
position for the queen.
Defining the Problem
The N Queens problem requires finding a way to place N non-
attacking queens on an N x N chessboard. The challenge lies in
ensuring that no two queens can threaten each other, meaning
they cannot be on the same row, column, or diagonal.
Solving this problem requires a systematic approach that explores
all possible placements while efficiently pruning invalid solutions.
This process is known as backtracking, which forms the core of the
algorithm used to tackle the N Queens problem.
Representing the Board
To represent the N Queens problem on a
computer, we can use a 1D array to store the
position of each queen. The index of the array
corresponds to the row, and the value at that
index represents the column where the queen
is placed.
This compact representation allows us to
efficiently check for conflicts, as we can easily
determine if two queens are on the same row,
column, or diagonal by comparing their
positions in the array.
Checking for Valid Placements
1 Row Conflicts 2 Column Conflicts
Check that the current Ensure that the current
queen is not in the same queen is not in the same
row as any previously column as any previously
placed queens. placed queens.
3 Diagonal Conflicts 4 Backtrack if Needed
Verify that the current If a placement violates any
queen is not on the same of these rules, backtrack
diagonal (either top-left to and try a different position
bottom-right or top-right to for the current queen.
bottom-left) as any other
queens.
Recursive Backtracking Function
Define Base Case
Check if all queens have been placed successfully. If so, return the current solu
Try Placing Queen
Iterate through each column and try placing a queen in the current row .
Check Validity
Ensure the queen placement does not conflict with any previously placed quee
Recursive Call
If the placement is valid, recursively call the function to place the next queen.
Backtrack
If a placement leads to an invalid solution, backtrack and try a different column
Backtracking Process Visualization
1 Initial Placement
The algorithm starts by placing a queen in the first row
and column of the chessboard.
2 Recursive Exploration
It then recursively places queens in the remaining rows,
backtracking when a solution is not possible.
3 Backtracking and Retrying
If a queen cannot be placed safely, the algorithm
backtracks to the previous row and tries a different
column.
Time and Space Complexity
Time Complexity Space Optimizing Practical
Complexity Complexity Consideratio
The time ns
The space
complexity of While the time In practice, the
complexity of
the complexity is N Queens
the algorithm
backtracking exponential, problem
is O(N), as it
algorithm for there are becomes
uses a 1D
solving the N several computationally
array to keep
Queens optimizations expensive for
track of the
problem is that can be large values of
position of
O(N!). This is applied to N, making it
each queen on
because in the improve the challenging to
the board. This
worst case, algorithm's solve for
efficient
the algorithm performance, extremely large
representation
needs to such as using boards.
allows the
explore all bitmasks to However, the
algorithm to
possible represent the algorithm's
avoid storing
permutations board and simplicity and
the entire
of queen pruning the elegance make
chessboard,
placements on search space it a valuable
making it
the N x N more exercise in
memory-
chessboard. aggressively. understanding
Optimizations and Improvements
Bitmask Representation Symmetry Reduction
Use bitmask operations to efficiently Exploit the inherent symmetry of the N
track row, column, and diagonal Queens problem to avoid exploring
conflicts, reducing memory usage and redundant solutions, further optimizing
improving time complexity. the search.
Heuristic Pruning Parallel Processing
Incorporate heuristics to intelligently Leverage parallel computing techniques
prune the search space, focusing on the to explore multiple solution paths
most promising placements and simultaneously, taking advantage of
reducing unnecessary backtracking. modern hardware capabilities.
Conclusion and Practical Applications
Real-World Visualizing Educational Value Ongoing Research
Applications the Solution
The N Queens Researchers
The N Queens Visualizing the problem is a classic continue to explore
problem has backtracking computer science new approaches
practical process and final challenge that and optimizations
applications in solutions to the N teaches important for solving the N
fields like Queens problem concepts like Queens problem,
scheduling, can provide recursion, pushing the
resource allocation, valuable insights, backtracking, and boundaries of
and computer helping to better problem-solving what's possible
science. Its understand the strategies. It and contributing to
backtracking algorithm's inner remains a popular the advancement
algorithm can be workings and exercise in coding of algorithm design
adapted to solve potential interviews and and analysis.
similar constraint optimizations. algorithm courses.
