The goal of a combinatorial optimization problem is to find the best ordering of a set of discrete items. A classic combinatorial optimization challenge is the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP). The ...

Dr. James McCaffrey of Microsoft Research explains a new idea that slightly modifies standard simulated annealing by borrowing ideas from quantum mechanics. The goal of a combinatorial optimization ...

The "knapsack problem" is a widespread computing challenge—and no, it doesn't have to do just with literal backpacks. golubovy / iStock Imagine you’re a thief robbing a museum exhibit of tantalizing ...