In computing or problem-solving, to work backward from a desired goal or solution to identify the steps needed to achieve it.
From 'back' + 'chain' (a sequence of linked items). This is technical jargon from computer science and artificial intelligence, describing the logical process of reasoning backward.
Backchaining is how detectives solve crimes—they start with the crime scene and work backward to find the criminal, and it's also how your GPS works backward from your destination to find the route.
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