Data Structures Questions
Graph traversal refers to the process of visiting all the vertices (nodes) of a graph in a systematic manner. It involves exploring or traversing the graph to access or search for specific nodes or to perform certain operations on the graph.
There are two commonly used algorithms for graph traversal:
1. Depth-First Search (DFS): In DFS, the algorithm starts at a given node and explores as far as possible along each branch before backtracking. It uses a stack to keep track of the nodes to be visited. DFS is often implemented recursively, but it can also be implemented iteratively using a stack.
2. Breadth-First Search (BFS): In BFS, the algorithm starts at a given node and explores all its neighboring nodes before moving on to the next level of nodes. It uses a queue to keep track of the nodes to be visited. BFS is typically implemented using a queue.
Both DFS and BFS can be used to solve various graph-related problems, such as finding connected components, detecting cycles, determining reachability, and finding the shortest path between two nodes.
Overall, graph traversal algorithms are essential for understanding and analyzing the structure and relationships within a graph. They provide a foundation for solving complex problems in various domains, including computer networks, social networks, and route planning.