Maze Traversal Using Recursive Backtracking in C++

How can we solve a maze using recursive backtracking in C++?

Can anyone provide a method to walk through a two-dimensional maze represented by a character array?

Answer:

To solve a maze using recursive backtracking in C++, we can create a method called `mazeTraversal` that navigates through the maze.

The given question asks for a recursive method called `mazeTraversal` that can solve a maze represented by a 12-by-12 character array. The maze contains walls represented by # symbols and possible paths represented by dots. The goal is to find the exit of the maze by moving only to locations containing dots. The method should place an 'x' character in each square of the path.

To solve the maze, we can use a recursive backtracking algorithm. Here are the steps for the `mazeTraversal` method:

1. Check if the current location is the exit of the maze. If it is, return true to indicate that the maze has been solved.
2. Mark the current location with an 'x' character to indicate that it is part of the path.
3. Try to move in each possible direction (down, right, up, and left) from the current location.
4. For each valid move, recursively call `mazeTraversal` with the new location.
5. If any of the recursive calls return true, it means the maze has been solved. Return true.
6. If none of the moves lead to the exit, backtrack by removing the 'x' character from the current location and return false.

Here's an example of how the `mazeTraversal` method would be implemented in C++:

bool mazeTraversal(char maze[12][12], int row, int col) {
    // Check if current location is the exit
    if (row == 11 && col == 11) {
        return true;
    }

    // Mark current location as part of the path
    maze[row][col] = 'x';

    // Try to move in each possible direction
    if (maze[row + 1][col] == '.') {
        if (mazeTraversal(maze, row + 1, col)) {
            return true;
        }
    }
    // Repeat the same logic for other directions (right, up, left)

    // If none of the moves lead to the exit, backtrack
    maze[row][col] = '.';
    return false;
}

Remember to call the `mazeTraversal` method initially with the entry point of the maze (e.g., `mazeTraversal(maze, 0, 0)`). After each move, display the updated maze to track the progress. The final output of the maze should only display the path needed to solve the maze, marking dead ends with another character (such as '0').