(algorithmic technique)
Definition: A randomized algorithm that always produces correct results, with the only variation from one run to another being its running time.
Specialization (... is a kind of me.)
random search, Grover's algorithm, Czech, Havas, and Majewski's order-preserving minimal perfect hashing.
See also Monte Carlo algorithm, ZPP.
Note: From Algorithms and Theory of Computation Handbook, 15-21, Copyright © 1999 by CRC Press LLC. Appearing in the Dictionary of Computer Science, Engineering and Technology, Copyright © 2000 CRC Press LLC.
A Monte Carlo algorithm gives more precise results the longer you run it. A Las Vegas algorithm always gives the right answer, but the run time is indeterminate.
Author: CRC-A
If you have suggestions, corrections, or comments, please get in touch with Paul Black.
Entry modified 4 February 2009.
HTML page formatted Mon Feb 2 13:10:39 2015.
Cite this as:
Algorithms and Theory of Computation Handbook, CRC Press LLC, 1999, "Las Vegas algorithm", in
Dictionary of Algorithms and Data Structures [online], Vreda Pieterse and Paul E. Black, eds. 4 February 2009. (accessed TODAY)
Available from: http://www.nist.gov/dads/HTML/lasVegas.html