The fastest and shortest algorithm for all well-defined problems

Marcus Hutter*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

40 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

An algorithm M is described that solves any well-defined problem p as quickly a the fastest algorithm computing a solution to p, save for a factor of 5 and low-order additive terms. M optimally distributes resources between the execution of provably correct p-solving programs and an enumeration of all proofs, including relevant proofs of program correctness and of time bounds on program runtimes. M avoids Blum's speed-up theorem by ignoring programs without correctness proof. M has broader applicability and can be faster than Levin's universal search, the fastest method for inverting functions save for a large multiplicative constant. An extension of Kolmogorov complexity and two novel natural measures of function complexity are used to show the most efficient program computing some function f is also among the shortest programs provably computing f.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)431-443
Number of pages13
JournalInternational Journal of Foundations of Computer Science
Volume13
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2002
Externally publishedYes

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