Glossary
When explaining the rules and techniques of solving Sudoku, it is important to make clear what we mean. Here is a list of most of the terms we use:
- Cell:
- The smallest square. There are 81 cells in total, and they are referred to by their column and row numbers.
- Box:
- A 3 by 3 square of cells, which is surrounded by thicker lines. There are 9 boxes in total.
- Row:
- 9 horizontal cells. There are 9 rows in total, numbered 1 through 9 from top to bottom.
- Column:
- 9 vertical cells. There are 9 columns in total, numbered 1 through 9 from left to right.
- Candidate list:
- A list of all digits that can be entered in a cell without violating the rules of Sudoku.
- Minicell:
- A tiny area within a cell, used to keep track of the candidate list of the cell. These are only there for convenience, and do not have to be used.