Online Computer Terms Dictionary - D

deterministic

1. <probability> Describes a system whose time evolution can be predicted exactly.

Contrast probabilistic.

2. <algorithm> Describes an algorithm in which the correct next step depends only on the current state. This contrasts with an algorithm involving backtracking where at each point there may be several possible actions and no way to chose between them except by trying each one and backtracking if it fails.

(1995-09-22)