# Cooperative distributed problem solving

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In computing **cooperative distributed problem solving** is a [network](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Network) of semi-autonomous processing nodes working together [to solve a problem](/source/Problem_solving), typically in a [multi-agent system](/source/Multi-agent_system). That is concerned with the investigation of problem subdivision, sub-problem distribution, results synthesis, optimisation of problem solver coherence and co-ordination. It is closely related to distributed [constraint programming](/source/Constraint_programming) and distributed constraint optimization; see the links below.

## Aspects of CDPS

- Neither global control or global data storage – no individual CDPS problem solver (agent) has sufficient information to solve the entire problem.

- Control and data are distributed

- Communication is slower than computation, therefore: - Loose coupling between problem solvers - Efficient protocols (not too much communication overhead) - problems should be modular, coarse grained

- Any unique node is a potential bottleneck - Organised behaviour is hard to guarantee since no one node has the complete picture

## See also

- [Multiscale decision making](/source/Multiscale_decision_making)

- [Distributed constraint optimization](/source/Distributed_constraint_optimization)

- [Distributed artificial intelligence](/source/Distributed_artificial_intelligence)

- [Multi-agent planning](/source/Multi-agent_planning)

## Some relevant books

- Faltings, Boi (2006). "Distributed Constraint Programming". In Rossi, Francesca; van Beek, Peter; Walsh, Toby (eds.). [*Handbook of Constraint Programming*](https://web.archive.org/web/20121004035038/http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/bookdescription.cws_home/708863/description). [Elsevier](/source/Elsevier). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-444-52726-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-444-52726-4). Archived from [the original](http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/bookdescription.cws_home/708863/description) on 2012-10-04. Retrieved 2009-01-04. A chapter in an edited book.

- Meisels, Amnon (2008). *Distributed Search by Constrained Agents*. [Springer](/source/Springer_Science%2BBusiness_Media). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-84800-040-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-84800-040-7).

- Shoham, Yoav; Leyton-Brown, Kevin (2009). [*Multiagent Systems: Algorithmic, Game-Theoretic, and Logical Foundations*](http://www.masfoundations.org). New York: [Cambridge University Press](/source/Cambridge_University_Press). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-521-89943-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-521-89943-7). See Chapters 1 and 2; [downloadable free online](https://www.masfoundations.org/download.html).

- Yokoo, Makoto (2001). *Distributed constraint satisfaction: Foundations of cooperation in multi-agent systems*. [Springer](/source/Springer_Science%2BBusiness_Media). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-3-540-67596-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-3-540-67596-9).

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