Question

I have a matrix which needs to be changed by hit and trial method, evaluated and the values need to be re-assigned if it does not meet the requirements. I am doing this in a recursive function for chained assumption. Can this be done without creating multiple copies?

Can I restore the matrix while backtracking?

Answer 1

You ask: “Can I restore the matrix while backtracking?” I ask the same question – can you? If the modifications are easily reversible, then sure you can.

void f()
{
    foreach (possibilty)
        modify ();
        f();
        unmodify();  
}

If unmodify is not trivial, then you’d be better off with

void f(matrix m)
{
   foreach (possibilty)
        matrix tmp = m;
        modify (tmp);
        f(tmp);
}