Sequence pair: definition · Chip Field Guide

Beginner

A way to write down a layout as two lists of block names, so a computer can shuffle the lists to try new layouts.

Novice

A way to describe how blocks sit relative to one another using two ordered lists of their names. Shuffling the lists gives a new arrangement, which lets a program search through many layouts.

Expert

If $a$ comes before $b$ in both lists, $a$ is left of $b$ ; before in the first and after in the second, $a$ is above $b$ . Decoding builds horizontal and vertical constraint graphs and takes longest paths. The $(n!)^2$ space always contains an optimal packing, and annealing swaps names within or across the lists.