README.md

Sudoku Solver

This C++ program implements a backtracking algorithm to solve Sudoku puzzles.

Usage

1. Compile: Compile the code using a C++ compiler.
2. Run: Execute the compiled program.
3. Input: Enter the Sudoku puzzle in row-major order, with 0 representing empty cells.
4. Output: The program will output the solved Sudoku puzzle if a solution exists. Otherwise, it will print "No solution exists."

How it Works

The program uses a recursive backtracking algorithm:

1. Start at the first empty cell.
2. Try each possible number (1-9) for the current cell.
3. If the number is valid (doesn't violate Sudoku rules), move to the next empty cell.
4. Recursively call the solve function to fill the rest of the grid.
5. If the current number leads to a dead end (no valid numbers for subsequent cells), backtrack and try the next number.
6. If the algorithm successfully fills the entire grid, the solution is found.

Explanation of Code

• printGrid: Prints the Sudoku grid.
• isValid: Checks if placing num in the cell at row, col is valid according to Sudoku rules.
• solveSudoku: The recursive backtracking function to solve the Sudoku puzzle.
• main: Gets input from the user, solves the Sudoku, and prints the result.

Example

Input:

0 0 0 0 7 4 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 7 2 6 8 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 5 1 0 2 0 8 0 4 0 9 0 0 8 4 3 0 1 6 2 7 0 0 0 1 2 5 0 0 4 0 0 8 6 5 0 0 3 9 0 5 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 8 3 0 9 0 2 5 0

Output:

2 5 6 3 7 4 8 9 1 3 4 9 1 5 8 7 2 6 8 7 1 6 2 9 3 4 5 1 3 2 5 8 6 4 7 9 5 9 8 4 3 7 1 6 2 7 6 4 9 1 2 5 3 8 4 2 7 8 6 5 9 1 3 9 1 5 2 4 3 6 8 7 6 8 3 7 9 1 2 5 4

Notes

• The program uses a simple backtracking algorithm. More advanced techniques could improve performance.
• The program assumes the input is a valid Sudoku puzzle.
• The SIZE constant defines the grid size (9 for standard Sudoku).