How do Dijkstra's and A* algorithms differ?

What are the main differences between Dijkstra's algorithm and the A* algorithm?

Dijkstra's algorithm finds the shortest path from a starting node to all other nodes, while A* uses heuristics to optimize the search for the shortest path to a specific target.

Can you explain how the heuristic in A* affects its performance?

Certainly! The heuristic in A* estimates the cost to reach the target from a given node. A well-chosen heuristic can significantly speed up the search by prioritizing nodes that are likely to lead to the target.

Which algorithm is generally faster in practice?

A* is often faster than Dijkstra's in practice, especially in large graphs, because it uses heuristics to guide its search, reducing the number of nodes it explores.

Are there scenarios where Dijkstra's algorithm is preferred?

Yes, Dijkstra's algorithm is preferred in scenarios where all edge weights are non-negative and when you need the shortest path to all nodes, not just one.