Greedoids and Violator Spaces

Abstract

This research explores the interplay between violator spaces and greedoids—two distinct theoretical frameworks developed independently. Violator spaces were introduced as a generalization of linear programming, while greedoids were designed to characterize combinatorial structures where greedy algorithms yield optimal solutions. These frameworks have, until now, existed in isolation. This paper bridges the gap by showing that greedoids can be defined using a modified violator operator. The established connections not only deepen our understanding of these theories but also provide a new characterization of antimatroids.

Keywords

• violator space
• linear programming
• closure operator
• greedoid
• antimatroid