#CS#Algorithm#Graph#Search
BFS vs DFS: Graph Traversal
Two ways to escape a maze. Spread out wide (BFS) or dig deep (DFS)? Who finds the shortest path?
April 24, 2025
Codemapo
Two ways to escape a maze. Spread out wide (BFS) or dig deep (DFS)? Who finds the shortest path?
Why does my server crash? OS's desperate struggle to manage limited memory. War against Fragmentation.
Fast by name. Partitioning around a Pivot. Why is it the standard library choice despite O(N²) worst case?
Establishing TCP connection is expensive. Reuse it for multiple requests.
Foundation of DB Design. Splitting tables to prevent Anomalies. 1NF, 2NF, 3NF explained simply.
| Feature | BFS | DFS |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Breadth-First Search | Depth-First Search |
| Data Structure | Queue (FIFO) | Stack (LIFO) or Recursion |
| Strategy | Level by Level (Layered) | Branch by Branch (Deep) |
| Shortest Path? | ✅ Guaranteed (Unweighted) | ❌ Not guaranteed |
| Memory Usage | High (if graph is wide) | Low (proportional to depth) |
| Key Use Case | Shortest Path, Proximity | Maze, Cycles, Components |
| Metaphor | Radar Scan, Ripples | Maze Runner, Ant Tunneling |
Both are essential tools in a developer's algorithmic toolbox.