DFS Visualizer- How does it work?

What is Depth-First Search (DFS)?

The Depth-First Search (DFS) algorithm is a graph traversal technique used to explore all the nodes and edges of a graph. It's commonly used in various applications, such as finding paths, detecting cycles, and solving puzzles.

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Depth-First Search (DFS) explores a graph or tree by going as deep as possible along each branch before backtracking. It starts from a selected node (often called the "source" or "starting" node) and explores as far as possible along each branch before retreating.

Characteristics of DFS

1. Traversal Order: DFS explores nodes in a depthward motion, meaning it dives deep into a branch before moving to the next branch.

2. Data Structures: DFS can be implemented using a stack (either explicitly or via recursion).

3. Backtracking: When DFS reaches a node with no unexplored neighbors, it backtracks to the previous node to explore other paths.

4. Completeness: In a finite graph, DFS will visit all reachable nodes.

   
   

DFS Algorithm

Here is a step-by-step description of the DFS algorithm:

1. Initialization:

   • Mark all nodes as unvisited.

   • Use a stack (or recursion) to keep track of the nodes to be explored.

2. Start DFS:

   • Push the starting node onto the stack (or call the recursive function with the starting node).

3. Explore:

   • While the stack is not empty (or recursion is ongoing):

     • Pop the top node from the stack (or the current node in recursion).

     • If the node has not been visited:

       • Mark it as visited.

       • Process the node (e.g., print its value).

       • Push all unvisited neighbors of the node onto the stack (or recursively call DFS for each unvisited neighbor).

4. Repeat:

   • Continue the process until the stack is empty (or the recursive calls complete).