# Word Search

> LeetCode #79 — Word Search. Solve on LeetCode, then implement here if you want it in your drill queue.

https://leetcode.com/problems/word-search/

Canonical: https://learn.significanthobbies.com/curriculum/drills/lc-word-search

LeetCode #79 — Word Search. Solve on LeetCode, then implement here if you want it in your drill queue.

https://leetcode.com/problems/word-search/

## The mechanism

Backtracking is "try a choice, recurse, undo if it does not work, try the next one." It explores all possibilities, but you cut whole branches by stopping early when you can prove they will never reach a valid answer.

## Expected evidence

Pass all LeetCode test cases for this problem.

## Hints

- Pattern hint: backtracking.
- Start with brute force, then optimize time/space.
- Write down invariants before coding.

## Sources and practice

- [Backtracking (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backtracking)
- [Study Backtracking](https://learn.significanthobbies.com/curriculum/concepts/backtracking)
- [Try the interactive drill](https://learn.significanthobbies.com/drills/lc-word-search)
- [All practice briefs](https://learn.significanthobbies.com/curriculum/drills/)