MaxCompositePoints

MaxCompositePoints is a parameter name used in computational routines that generate or manipulate sets of points formed by combining simpler points, referred to here as composite points. It specifies the upper limit on the number of composite points that the algorithm may generate, store, or evaluate. The exact interpretation and effect of this limit depend on the domain and the particular software implementation.

In practice, maxCompositePoints serves primarily to control resource usage. By capping the number of composite points, programs manage memory consumption and execution time. A smaller value can reduce runtime and memory demands but may limit the algorithm’s ability to achieve high accuracy, coverage, or convergence. A larger value increases potential accuracy or completeness but at a higher computational cost. Some algorithms use the limit to prune a search space or to cap intermediate results before ranking or selection.

Guidance for use typically involves considering problem size, available memory, and desired accuracy. If an algorithm has a convergence or quality criterion tied to the number of composite points, increasing the limit can improve results up to a practical point. Some implementations support adaptive strategies that start with a low limit and raise it as needed.

Common pitfalls include insufficient limits leading to suboptimal outcomes or excessive limits causing memory exhaustion and long runtimes. Validation should ensure the value is a non-negative integer and consistent with other parameters such as dimensionality, total number of base points, and any adaptive rules.

See also: composite point, sampling, point set, interpolation, mesh generation.