What is the A* Algorithm?
The A* search algorithm is a popular pathfinding and graph traversal algorithm used in computer science to find the shortest path from a start node to a goal node. It is widely used in applications like Maps and Games.
How Does It Work?
A* achieves superior efficiency by combining the strengths of Breadth-First Search and Dijkstra's Algorithm. It uses a heuristic to guide its pathfinding process, aiming to minimize the total estimated cost.
Key Components of A*
- G(n): The cost of the path from the start node to n.
- H(n): The heuristic that estimates the cost from n to the goal.
- F(n) = G(n) + H(n): The total estimated cost of the cheapest solution through n.
Applications
A* is used in various fields, including robotic movement planning, AI in games, and even in network routing. It excels especially in environments that require precision and efficiency.