A walkthrough is a term describing the consideration of a process at an abstract level.

The term is often employed in the software industry (see software walkthrough) 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.

The term is employed in the theatrical and entertainment industry to describe a rehearsal where the major issues of choreography and interaction are practiced and resolved, prior to more formal "dress rehearsals".

The term is often used in the world of learning where a tutor/trainer will walk through the process for the first time. It is regarded as a literal walk through of the learning at the groups pace ensuring that everyone takes in the new knowledge and skills.

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.

Video games

In video games, a walkthrough is a document which attempts to teach a player how to beat or solve a particular 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.

A classic variation on the straightforward walkthrough is "progressive hints." This type of walkthrough provides a series of hints, increasingly explicit, to try to guide the player to a solution without making it too obvious right away. The player usually has control over how many of the progressively explicit hints will be revealed. A notable implementation of progressive hints is the Universal Hint System, which defines formats for hint files so that client software can allow the player to control which hints are revealed. A non-software implementation is the "red filter obfuscator", as described in US Patent 6833829, where the hints are printed under an obfuscating mess of red squiggles. Placing a red color gel over the printout reveals the text.

Walkthroughs are typically organized according to the levels or stages of the game, they frequently contain the author's ASCII art of the game title or logo at the beginning, 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.