Heuristic search is a problem-solving technique used in computer science and artificial intelligence. It employs practical methods or rules of thumb, known as heuristics, to find solutions more efficiently than traditional algorithms. By focusing on promising paths, heuristic search can significantly reduce the time and resources needed to reach a solution. Common applications of heuristic search include pathfinding in graph theory, game playing strategies, and optimization problems. Popular algorithms that utilize heuristic search include A* and Greedy Best-First Search. These methods are particularly useful in complex scenarios where exhaustive search is impractical.