This document contains detailed notes from Lecture 12 of the CO2412 course on Computational Thinking. The lecture focuses on pathfinding algorithms, essential tools in computer science for determining the shortest or most efficient path between two points within a graph structure. These algorithms ...
Introduction to Pathfinding Algorithms
1. What is Pathfinding?
o Pathfinding algorithms are used to determine the shortest or most
efficient path between two points, often within a graph structure.
o These algorithms have applications in various domains including
robotics, logistics, game development, and network routing.
Universal Cost Search (UCS)
1. What is UCS?
o Universal Cost Search (UCS), also known as Dijkstra's algorithm,
is a graph traversal algorithm used to find the shortest path
between a starting node and a target node in a weighted graph.
o UCS explores all possible paths, expanding the least costly path
first.
2. UCS Algorithm
o Step-by-Step Process:
1. Start at the root node and initialize the cost to reach each
node as infinity, except for the starting node which is set to
zero.
2. Expand the node with the lowest cost.
3. Update the cost of reaching neighboring nodes.
4. Repeat the process until the target node is reached or all
nodes have been expanded.
3. Characteristics of UCS
o UCS guarantees finding the shortest path in a graph with non-
negative weights.
o It explores paths based on cumulative cost, ensuring that the path
with the lowest total cost is selected.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller BpoBpo. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $4.78. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
