What is the role of a relaxation process in the Dijkstra Algorithm?

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What is the role of a relaxation process in the Dijkstra Algorithm?

The relaxation process in the Dijkstra Algorithm is a crucial step that helps determine the shortest path from a source vertex to all other vertices in a weighted graph. It involves continuously updating the distance values of the vertices as the algorithm progresses.

During the relaxation process, the algorithm considers each neighboring vertex of the current vertex being processed. It calculates the distance from the source vertex to the neighboring vertex through the current vertex and compares it with the previously calculated distance. If the newly calculated distance is smaller, it means a shorter path has been found, and the distance value is updated.

The relaxation process ensures that the algorithm gradually finds the shortest path to each vertex by iteratively updating the distance values. It guarantees that the algorithm explores all possible paths and ultimately determines the shortest path from the source vertex to all other vertices in the graph.

By continuously relaxing the edges and updating the distance values, the Dijkstra Algorithm guarantees that the shortest path is found for each vertex, leading to the overall shortest path from the source vertex to all other vertices in the graph.