An implementation of the backtracking algorithm for multicore systems

The emergence of inexpensive parallel computers powered by multicore chips combined with high clock rates raises new challenges for software engineering. Since the performance improvements will not come from increased clock rates, high performance applications will need to be parallelized. In addition to operating system support, adjustments to existing software are required to maximize utilization of the computing resources provided by multicore processors. The ability of multicore processors to increase application performance depends on the use of multiple threads within applications. We will describe an algorithm that allows back tracking problems to be solved by means of such multicore systems. A multicore algorithm meant for backtracking problems and able to meet certain constraints is made of multiple search threads with concurrent operation and distinct processing parts of the solution space. The proposed algorithm is scalable.