Monotonic Function - Monotonicity in Computer Science

Monotonicity in Computer Science

In computer science, monotonicity (also called consistency) is a condition applied to heuristic functions. A heuristic h(n) is monotonic if, for every node n and every successor n' of n generated by any action a, the estimated cost of reaching the goal from n is no greater than the step cost of getting to n' plus the estimated cost of reaching the goal from n' ,

This is a form of triangle inequality, with n, n', and the goal Gn closest to n. Because every monotonic heuristic is also admissible, monotonicity is a stricter requirement than admissibility. In some heuristic algorithms, such as A*, the algorithm can be considered optimal if it is monotonic.

Read more about this topic:  Monotonic Function

Famous quotes containing the words computer and/or science:

    Family life is not a computer program that runs on its own; it needs continual input from everyone.
    Neil Kurshan (20th century)

    When science is learned in love, and its powers are wielded by love, they will appear the supplements and continuations of the material creation.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)