Depth first search (DFS)

What is Depth first search (DFS)?

Depth-first search (DFS) is an algorithm for traversing or searching tree or graph data structures. The algorithm starts at the root node and explores as far as possible along each branch before backtracking.

• DFS is a recursive algorithm. This means that it calls itself to explore the next branch.
• DFS can be implemented using a stack data structure. The stack is used to keep track of the nodes that have been visited but not yet fully explored.
• DFS can be used to find the shortest path between two nodes in a graph. This is because DFS will always explore the “shortest” path first.
• DFS can be used to find cycles in a graph. A cycle is a path that starts and ends at the same node.
• DFS can be used to solve puzzles with only one solution, such as mazes.
• DFS can be used to generate random mazes.
• DFS can be used in model checking, which is the process of checking that a model of a system meets a certain set of properties.
• DFS can be used in backtracking algorithms. Backtracking algorithms are used to find all solutions to a problem.