NIST

decidable problem

(definition)

Definition: A decision problem that can be solved by an algorithm that halts on all inputs in a finite number of steps. The associated language is called a decidable language.

Also known as totally decidable problem, algorithmically solvable, recursively solvable.

See also undecidable problem, NP, NP-complete, solvable, tractable, computable.

Note: For emphasis, the equivalent term totally decidable problem is sometimes used.

From Algorithms and Theory of Computation Handbook, pages 24-19 and 26-20, Copyright © 1999 by CRC Press LLC. Appearing in the Dictionary of Computer Science, Engineering and Technology, Copyright © 2000 CRC Press LLC.

Author: CRC-A


Go to the Dictionary of Algorithms and Data Structures home page.

If you have suggestions, corrections, or comments, please get in touch with Paul Black.

Entry modified 17 December 2004.
HTML page formatted Wed Mar 13 12:42:45 2019.

Cite this as:
Algorithms and Theory of Computation Handbook, CRC Press LLC, 1999, "decidable problem", in Dictionary of Algorithms and Data Structures [online], Paul E. Black, ed. 17 December 2004. (accessed TODAY) Available from: https://www.nist.gov/dads/HTML/decidableProblem.html