%% Last Updated: - [[2021-02-22]] %% A difference engine is a program that, given a desired states, identifies the most serious gaps between the present and desired states and attempts to reduce them. If that fails, the engine tries another tack. [^01] ![[difference_engine_bg-squashed.jpg]] _Source: [Cortex Future](https://www.cortexfutura.com/getting-started-algorithms-of-thought/)_ The difference engine as an [[Algorithms of thought|algorithm of thought]] describes a logical progression of examination and action. ## Example ### In [[Roam Research]] ![[run_diff_engine-squashed.jpg]] _Source: [Cortex Future](https://www.cortexfutura.com/getting-started-algorithms-of-thought/)_ [^01]: [[Getting Started With Algorithms of Thought]]