What is the difference between DFS and BFS in graph traversal?
DFS explores as deep as possible along a branch, while BFS explores all neighbors level by level.
Depth-First Search (DFS) and Breadth-First Search (BFS) are two fundamental algorithms for graph traversal. DFS explores each branch of the graph as deep as possible before backtracking, making it useful for tasks like finding connected components, checking for cycles, or solving maze-like problems. BFS, on the other hand, explores all neighbors of a node before moving to the next level of neighbors, making it ideal for finding the shortest path in unweighted graphs. Both algorithms are widely used in competitive programming for different types of graph problems. Understanding their differences and when to apply each is crucial for solving graph-related challenges efficiently.