How we are leading a 3-XORSAT challenge: From the energy landscape to the algorithm and its efficient implementation on GPUs

A recent 3-XORSAT challenge required to minimize a very complex and rough energy function, typical of glassy models with a random first-order transition and a golf-course–like energy landscape. We present the ideas beyond the quasi-greedy algorithm and its very efficient implementation on GPUs that are allowing us to rank first in such a competition. We suggest a better protocol to compare algorithmic performances and we also provide analytical predictions about the exponential growth of the times to find the solution in terms of free-energy barriers.