A walkthrough is a term describing the consideration of a process at an abstract level. The term is often employed in the software industry to describe the process of inspecting algorithms and source code by following paths through the algorithms or code as determined by input conditions and choices made along the way. The purpose of such code walkthroughs is generally to provide assurance of the fitness for purpose of the algorithm or code; and occasionally to assess the competence or output of an individual or team.

Something akin to walkthroughs are used in very many forms of human endeavour since the process is a thought experiment that seeks to determine the likely outcome(s) of an affair based on starting conditions and the effects of decisions taken.

In video games, a walkthrough is a document which attempts to teach a player how to beat or solve a particular video game. Many people consider walkthroughs to be a form of cheating, but no game is suited to be a fair challenge to everyone. Walkthroughs are often made by amateurs after they have completed the game and date from the earliest text adventures and the simplest graphic adventure and puzzle-adventure games. Now they are most common for complex games, such as role-playing games and strategy games; less involved games usually have a FAQ instead. Walkthroughs are typically organized according to the levels or stages of the game and are usually available for free on the Internet, as opposed to the more involved strategy guides, which are professionally printed with many graphics. On the internet, one should also search for "solutions" as a synonym for the more puzzle-type games. GameFAQs is one of the most popular websites for walkthroughs.

See also

• List of gaming topics