Solve

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The third stage is to use Solver classes to search for a solution and solve the problem. Solving the problem consists of finding a value for each variable while simultaneously satisfying the constraints and maximizing or minimizing an objective, if one is included in the model. For more information on solving a problem with an objective, see Chapter 5, Using Objectives: Map Coloring with Minimum Colors.

Solver uses two techniques to find a solution: search strategies and constraint propagation. Additionally, Solver performs two types of constraint propagation: initial constraint propagation and constraint propagation during search. Figure 1.1 shows the basic process used by Solver to find a solution. The concepts in the diagram will become clearer as you read later sections.