What are the differences between the Dijkstra Algorithm and the D* Lite Algorithm?

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What are the differences between the Dijkstra Algorithm and the D* Lite Algorithm?

The Dijkstra Algorithm and the D* Lite Algorithm are both popular algorithms used for finding the shortest path in a graph. However, there are several key differences between these two algorithms.

1. Goal-oriented: The Dijkstra Algorithm is a static algorithm that finds the shortest path from a single source node to all other nodes in the graph. On the other hand, the D* Lite Algorithm is a dynamic algorithm that is designed to find the shortest path from a start node to a goal node, while also being able to handle changes in the graph or the goal node's position.

2. Replanning: Dijkstra Algorithm does not have a built-in mechanism for handling changes in the graph or the goal node's position. If any changes occur, the algorithm needs to be rerun from scratch. In contrast, the D* Lite Algorithm is designed to handle changes efficiently. It maintains a search tree and can update the path incrementally, avoiding the need to replan the entire path.

3. Memory usage: Dijkstra Algorithm stores information about all nodes in the graph, which can be memory-intensive for large graphs. On the other hand, D* Lite Algorithm uses a more memory-efficient approach by storing only the necessary information to compute the shortest path incrementally.

4. Heuristic function: Dijkstra Algorithm does not use any heuristic function to guide its search. It explores all possible paths until it reaches the goal node. In contrast, D* Lite Algorithm uses a heuristic function, typically based on an estimate of the remaining cost to reach the goal node. This heuristic helps guide the search towards the goal node, making it more efficient.

5. Optimality: Dijkstra Algorithm guarantees to find the shortest path from the source node to all other nodes in the graph. However, it does not guarantee optimality when the goal node changes or the graph is modified. D* Lite Algorithm, on the other hand, guarantees to find the shortest path from the start node to the goal node, even when there are changes in the graph or the goal node's position.

In summary, the Dijkstra Algorithm is a static algorithm that finds the shortest path from a single source node to all other nodes, while the D* Lite Algorithm is a dynamic algorithm that efficiently finds the shortest path from a start node to a goal node, handling changes in the graph or the goal node's position. D* Lite Algorithm is more memory-efficient, uses a heuristic function, and guarantees optimality even with changes in the graph or goal node.