How is Dijkstra's Algorithm different from A*?

What is the main difference between Dijkstra's Algorithm and A*?

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 A* uses heuristics?

A* uses a heuristic function to estimate the cost from the current node to the target, allowing it to prioritize paths that seem more promising.

Which algorithm is generally faster?

A* is generally faster than Dijkstra's Algorithm because it uses heuristics to guide its search, reducing the number of nodes it explores.

Are there specific scenarios where one is preferred over the other?

Yes, Dijkstra's is preferred for uniform cost scenarios, while A* is better for pathfinding in games or maps where heuristics can be applied.