Learn English – Word for something that “helps solve a problem”

single-word-requests

This is the sentence I'm writing

The system requires a stiff solver and appropriate ______, such as the Jacobian Matrix Pattern

I've been thinking of workarounds, but the example given is not something that avoids the problem or finds an alternate solution, but it helps in solving the original problem, making it much faster. They are not needed, but they help a great deal. Also Pattern is not the only one of these.

devices does not sound right either, because it evokes a physical object.

Maybe aids, but it is more related to people or humanitarian causes.

Is there a single word to express a group of (non-physical) things that help you reach a solution?

Best Answer

The word tool is often used metaphorically to refer to methods and software. For instance, a word processor is a common tool of writers and editors. And the Socratic Method is a tool employed by teachers.

See these definitions in ODO:

1.1 A thing used in an occupation or pursuit:
computers are an essential tool
the ability to write clearly is a tool of the trade

1.3 Computing: A piece of software that carries out a particular function, typically creating or modifying another program.

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