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| Verify Your Solution |
Verify Your Solution
No solution is complete until you have checked that it contains no obvious errors; it satisfies the parameters of the original problem; and field-testing has shown that it works under realistic conditions.
First organize, rethink and rewrite your final solution. The process of organizing and simplifying often uncovers a variety of minor errors. Second, apply your solution to a few very simple cases for which you already know the results. If your solution does not work for simple cases, it probably will not work in more realistic situations.
Always double-check your solution against the requirements of the original problem. You may have found a magnificent solution, but for a different problem. It is always reassuring to confirm that the original requirements have been met. Field-testing is recommended whenever others are expected to apply your solution to a variety of new cases. Field-testing a solution serves three vital roles:
1. It demonstrates that others can understand your solution. You may have produced a brilliant solution, but if no one else can understand it, it is of little value.
2. It demonstrates that your solution is workable and can be effectively used by those for whom it was intended.
3. It provides an opportunity to receive comments and suggestions for making further improvements to your solution.
No solution is complete until you have checked that it contains no obvious errors; it satisfies the parameters of the original problem; and field-testing has shown that it works under realistic conditions.
First organize, rethink and rewrite your final solution. The process of organizing and simplifying often uncovers a variety of minor errors. Second, apply your solution to a few very simple cases for which you already know the results. If your solution does not work for simple cases, it probably will not work in more realistic situations.
Always double-check your solution against the requirements of the original problem. You may have found a magnificent solution, but for a different problem. It is always reassuring to confirm that the original requirements have been met. Field-testing is recommended whenever others are expected to apply your solution to a variety of new cases. Field-testing a solution serves three vital roles:
1. It demonstrates that others can understand your solution. You may have produced a brilliant solution, but if no one else can understand it, it is of little value.
2. It demonstrates that your solution is workable and can be effectively used by those for whom it was intended.
3. It provides an opportunity to receive comments and suggestions for making further improvements to your solution.
