Idea Ripper // ArchiveCards: 1555 [Live] | Updated: 2026-10-14
Card #c869IR // #c869Synthesis

When exploring options, know which you need: depth (commit to one path, follow it to the end, backtrack only if it dies) or breadth (survey all options at this level before going deeper). Depth risks missing alternatives; breadth risks never finishing any.

— In our words · Source: Algorithms Every Programmer Should Know (Aniket Wattamwar)

[Use when]

You are exploring a decision tree, a market, or a problem space and keep oscillating between chasing one idea and surveying everything.

[Why it matters]

Depth-first plunges down one path to the bottom; breadth-first surveys everything at this level before descending.

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