toy problem

from Jargon File (4.4.4, 14 Aug 2003)

toy problem
 n.

   [AI] A deliberately oversimplified case of a challenging problem used
   to investigate, prototype, or test algorithms for a real problem.
   Sometimes used pejoratively. See also {gedanken}, {toy program}.

from The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)

toy problem

   [AI] A deliberately oversimplified case of a challenging
   problem used to investigate, prototype, or test algorithms for
   a real problem.  Sometimes used pejoratively.  See also
   {gedanken}, {toy program}.

   [{Jargon File}]

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