In computer science, particularly in optimization problems, the concepts of bounded and unbounded refer to the constraints placed on variables within algorithms. A bounded problem has specific limits on the values that variables can take, ensuring that solutions remain within defined parameters. This is often seen in scenarios like the 0/1 Knapsack problem, where items can either be included or excluded. Conversely, unbounded problems allow for unlimited instances of variables, as seen in the unbounded knapsack problem, where items can be selected multiple times. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effectively applying optimization techniques in various computational contexts.