What are the differences in complexity between BFS and DFS?

What are the differences in complexity between BFS and DFS?

BFS (Breadth-First Search) has a time complexity of O(V + E) and a space complexity of O(V), while DFS (Depth-First Search) has a time complexity of O(V + E) but a space complexity of O(h), where h is the maximum depth of the tree.

Why does BFS use more space than DFS?

BFS stores all nodes at the current level before moving to the next, leading to higher space usage, especially in wide trees.

In what scenarios is DFS preferred over BFS?

DFS is preferred in scenarios where the solution is deep in the tree or when memory is limited, as it uses less space.

Can you give an example of a problem best solved by BFS?

BFS is ideal for finding the shortest path in unweighted graphs, like in the case of navigating a maze.

What are the practical applications of BFS and DFS?

BFS is used in networking and shortest path algorithms, while DFS is used in topological sorting and solving puzzles.