This multivolume work on the analysis of algorithms has long been recognized as the definitive description of classical computer science.The three complete volumes published to date already comprise a unique and invaluable resource in programming theory and practice. Countless readers have spoken about the profound personal influence of Knuth's writings. Scientists have marveled at the beauty and elegance of his analysis, while practicing programmers have successfully applied his “cookbook” solutions to their day-to-day problems. All have admired Knuth for the breadth, clarity, accuracy, and good humor found in his books.

To begin the fourth and later volumes of the set, and to update parts of the existing three, Knuth has created a series of small books called fascicles, which will be published at regular intervals. Each fascicle will encompass a section or more of wholly new or revised material. Ultimately, the content of these fascicles will be rolled up into the comprehensive, final versions of each volume, and the enormous undertaking that began in 1962 will be complete.Volume 4, Fascicle 3

This fascicle continues Knuth's authoritative chapter on combinatorial algorithms, ultimately to be included in Volume 4 of The Art of Computer Programming. The previous fascicle from Volume 4, which covered the generation of all tuples and permutations, is now complemented by techniques for generating all combinations and partitions. In Knuth's thorough discussion of these two topics, readers will find much that is new, as well as surprisingly rich ties to material in Volumes 1 through 3 and to other aspects of computer science and mathematics. As usual, this fascicle includes a bounty of creative exercises, as well as intriguing challenges posed by yet-unsolved questions.

According to "Webster's Dictionary," a fascicle is "one of the divisions of a book published in parts." This represents a first look at material from the long-anticipated and much-discussed volume four of Knuth's "The Art of Computer Programming," and he plans to use feedback from readers in order to prepare subsequent volumes.

Donald E. Knuth is known throughout the world for his pioneering work on algorithms and programming techniques, for his invention of the Tex and Metafont systems for computer typesetting, and for his prolific and influential writing. Professor Emeritus of The Art of Computer Programming at Stanford University, he currently devotes full time to the completion of these fascicles and the seven volumes to which they belong.

Chapter 7 Combinatorial Searching

7.2. Generating All Possibilities 0

7.2.1. Generating Basic Combinatorial Patterns 0

7.2.1.1. Generating all n-tuples 0

7.2.1.2. Generating all permutations 0

7.2.1.3. Generating all combinations 1

7.2.1.4. Generating all partitions 36

7.2.1.5. Generating all set partitions 61

Answers to Exercises 87

Index and Glossary 144