A Comprehensive Guide to Breadth-First Search Algorithm
Breadth-First Search (BFS) is a simple and powerful algorithm used for traversing and searching graphs. It is a popular search method used in many applications, including artificial intelligence, computer graphics, operating systems, and database systems. BFS traverses a graph in a breadth-wise manner, i.e. it visits all the nodes of a given graph from a given starting node.
In this article, we will discuss what Breadth-First Search is, why it is used, and how it works. We will also look at the data structure used to implement BFS and its pseudocode, as well as discuss some of its applications.
What is Breadth-First Search?
Breadth-First Search (BFS) is an algorithm used to traverse and search a graph. It starts at a given node and visits every node in the graph in a breadth-wise manner, i.e. it visits all the nodes of a given graph from a given starting node.
BFS is a popular search method used in many applications, including artificial intelligence, computer graphics, operating systems, and database systems. It is commonly used to search for the shortest path between two nodes in a graph.
Why is Breadth-First Search Used?
BFS is used for traversing and searching a graph. It is a simple algorithm and is computationally efficient. It is used to find the shortest path from a given starting node to a given destination node.
BFS is also used to solve problems such as finding the shortest path in a network, or determining whether a graph is connected or not.
How Does Breadth-First Search Work?
BFS works by starting at a given node and visiting every node in the graph in a breadth-wise manner, i.e. it visits all the nodes of a given graph from a given starting node. The search process follows a specific order.
BFS uses a queue data structure to keep track of the nodes to be visited. The algorithm visits each node and adds its neighbors to the queue. The algorithm then visits the next node in the queue until all the nodes in the graph have been visited.
Data Structure Used in Breadth-First Search
BFS uses a queue data structure to store the nodes that need to be visited. The algorithm visits each node and adds its neighbors to the queue. The algorithm then visits the next node in the queue until all the nodes in the graph have been visited.
BFS Pseudocode
The pseudocode for Breadth-First Search algorithm is as follows:
1. Create a queue and add the starting node to it
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2. While there are still nodes in the queue, do the following:
a. Pop the first node in the queue
b. Visit the node
c. Add the node’s neighbors to the queue
3. Return the list of visited nodes
Applications of Breadth-First Search
BFS is used in many applications, including:
- Network routing algorithms
- Finding the shortest path in a graph
- Determining if a graph is connected
- Garbage collection
- Path finding in video games
- Solving puzzles
Conclusion
Breadth-First Search (BFS) is a simple and powerful algorithm used for traversing and searching graphs. It visits all the nodes of a given graph from a given starting node. It is used to find the shortest path between two nodes in a graph, determine if a graph is connected, and solve puzzles.