Claviro

Traversal Algorithms

Breadth-First Search (BFS)

Algorithm

Understanding Traversal Algorithms

BFS vs DFS

BFS: Explores level-by-level, using a queue. Good for shortest paths.

DFS: Goes deep into each branch, using a stack. Good for cycle detection.

Complexity

Time Complexity = O(V + E), Space Complexity = O(V)

About this concept

What to notice

BFS explores nodes in layers, always processing the closest unvisited nodes first.

Why it matters

BFS is used in shortest path finding, level-order tree traversal, and finding connected components.

Think about

How would you find the shortest path from your home to a friend's house using BFS?

Formula & Application

Key Formula

Time Complexity = O(V + E), Space Complexity = O(V)

Use this formula to calculate the relationship between different variables in this concept.

Example

Finding the shortest path in a maze by exploring all adjacent cells before going further.