# Backtracking Algorithm

> A method that explores options and reverts to an earlier point when one fails, requiring the ability to look back.

Record: `lexicon:backtracking-algorithm`
Kind: technique
Layer: [Execution Core](https://banes-lab.com/records/layer/execution-core.md)
Canonical: https://banes-lab.com/ontology/lexicon#lexicon-backtracking-algorithm

Listed in [Lexicon terms](https://banes-lab.com/api/records/lexicon.md), after [Random Access Requirement](https://banes-lab.com/records/lexicon/random-access-requirement.md) and before [Complex Grammar/Global State](https://banes-lab.com/records/lexicon/complex-grammar-global-state.md).

## Category

- [Streaming / Pipeline / Dataflow Processing](https://banes-lab.com/records/lexicon-category/streaming-pipeline-dataflow-processing.md)

## In tension with

- [Forward-Only Processing](https://banes-lab.com/records/architecture/forward-only-processing.md)
- [Forward-Only Processing / Backtracking Algorithm](https://banes-lab.com/records/tension/backtracking-algorithm-forward-only-processing.md)

## Linked from

- [Streaming / Pipeline / Dataflow Processing](https://banes-lab.com/ontology/principles/architecture-category-streaming-pipeline-dataflow-processing.md)
- [The resolutions](https://banes-lab.com/ontology/schema/the-resolutions.md)