Can BFS be used for weighted graphs?

Can BFS be used for weighted graphs?

BFS, or Breadth-First Search, is typically used for unweighted graphs. It explores all neighbors at the present depth prior to moving on to nodes at the next depth level.

So, what happens if I use BFS on a weighted graph?

If you use BFS on a weighted graph, it won't guarantee the shortest path because it doesn't account for edge weights. It treats all edges as equal.

What algorithm should I use for finding the shortest path in a weighted graph?

For weighted graphs, Dijkstra's algorithm is commonly used. It efficiently finds the shortest path by considering edge weights.

Are there any other algorithms for weighted graphs?

Yes, besides Dijkstra's, you can use the Bellman-Ford algorithm, which handles negative weights, or A* for heuristic-based searches.