> A sorted frequency table is a simple enough problem statement, a trie is a sufficiently elaborate solution that doesn’t feel too contrived while also being familiar enough that the audience can follow along.
As one of the essays linked yesterday noted, Knuth did not pick the problem, he specifically asked the editor to do so, such that he would not necessarily select a problem perfectly suited to LP.
As one of the essays linked yesterday noted, Knuth did not pick the problem, he specifically asked the editor to do so, such that he would not necessarily select a problem perfectly suited to LP.