How do I implement a A* algorithm?

How do I implement a A* algorithm?

To implement the A* algorithm, you'll need to define a few key components: the graph, the heuristic function, and the open/closed sets.

What data structures should I use for the open and closed sets?

You can use a priority queue for the open set to efficiently get the node with the lowest cost, and a hash set for the closed set.

Can you explain how the heuristic function works?

The heuristic function estimates the cost from the current node to the goal. It should be admissible, meaning it never overestimates the actual cost.

What are some common heuristics used in A*?

Common heuristics include Euclidean distance for grid-based maps and Manhattan distance for grid-based paths without diagonal movement.