# beam search

> heuristic search algorithm

**Wikidata**: [Q2835852](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2835852)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beam_search)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/beam-search

## Summary
Beam search is a heuristic search algorithm used for problem-solving in optimization. It is classified as a type of both best-first search and local search, functioning as a greedy algorithm. It is also known by the French alias "recherche en faisceau."

## Key Facts
*   **Classification:** Beam search is an instance of a search algorithm and a greedy algorithm.
*   **Hierarchy:** It is a subclass of both best-first search and local search.
*   **Function:** It serves as a heuristic local search algorithm.
*   **Optimization:** It operates as a method for problem-solving within the field of optimization.
*   **Aliases:** The algorithm is also known as "recherche en faisceau."
*   ** identifiers:** It holds the Freebase ID `/m/05n9z3` and the discontinued Microsoft Academic ID `19889080`.
*   **Global Presence:** The topic has Wikipedia entries in 10 languages, including English, French, Japanese, and Arabic.

## FAQs
### Q: What type of algorithm is beam search?
A: Beam search is a heuristic search algorithm that functions as a greedy algorithm. It is structurally a subclass of best-first search and local search.

### Q: What is beam search used for?
A: Beam search is used as a method for problem-solving in optimization. It is specifically categorized under heuristic local search algorithms.

### Q: Is beam search related to local beam search?
A: Yes, local beam search is listed as a related class or parent category, described as a heuristic local search algorithm.

## Why It Matters
Beam search matters because it provides a structured approach to optimization problems that lie at the intersection of best-first search strategies and local search methods. By functioning as a heuristic algorithm, it addresses the need for efficient problem-solving in complex computational landscapes where exhaustive search is impractical. Its classification as a greedy algorithm highlights its focus on making locally optimal choices at each stage.

The algorithm serves as a foundational concept in computer science, evidenced by its recognition across multiple global languages and academic platforms like Quora and Stack Overflow. It acts as a bridge between broad search algorithms and specific local search heuristics, making it a distinct and necessary tool in the optimization toolkit.

## Notable For
*   Being a distinct subclass of both best-first search and local search simultaneously.
*   Functioning as a heuristic method specifically designed for problem-solving in optimization.
*   Possessing a multilingual presence across major knowledge platforms (Wikipedia, Stack Overflow).
*   Operating as a greedy algorithm within the taxonomy of search algorithms.
*   Serving as the parent or related class to "local beam search."

## Body

### Classification and Taxonomy
Beam search is formally classified as a heuristic search algorithm. Within the hierarchy of computational algorithms, it is designated as a subclass of two distinct categories:
*   **Best-first search:** A general class of search algorithms.
*   **Local search:** A method for problem-solving specifically in optimization.

It is also recognized as an instance of a **greedy algorithm**, indicating its operational strategy of making the locally optimal choice at each stage.

### Related Entities
The algorithm is closely associated with **local beam search**, which is identified as a heuristic local search algorithm. The relationship places beam search as a broader category or related class to this specific local search implementation.

### Identifiers and Digital Presence
Beam search is indexed under several technical and academic identifiers:
*   **Freebase ID:** `/m/05n9z3`
*   **Microsoft Academic ID:** `19889080` (Note: This service is discontinued).
*   **Quora Topic:** "Beam-Search"
*   **Stack Exchange Tag:** `https://stackoverflow.com/tags/beam-search`

The entity has a sitelink count of 14 and is available on Wikipedia in 10 languages, including Arabic (ar), Czech (cs), English (en), Persian (fa), French (fr), Hungarian (hu), Armenian (hy), Italian (it), Japanese (ja), and Korean (ko).

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. Quora
3. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)