Shortest Path Algorithms — Bellman-Ford, Dijkstra & DAG Methods Explained | Chapter 22 in Introduction to Algorithms
Shortest Path Algorithms — Bellman-Ford, Dijkstra & DAG Methods Explained | Chapter 22 in Introduction to Algorithms Chapter 22 of Introduction to Algorithms (CLRS) provides a comprehensive guide to solving the single-source shortest-path problem in weighted, directed graphs. These algorithms are the foundation of many practical applications in computer science, such as GPS navigation, internet routing, and task scheduling. The chapter introduces essential algorithmic tools—including relaxation and optimal substructure—before explaining three powerful solutions: the Bellman-Ford algorithm, DAG shortest paths, and Dijkstra’s algorithm. 📺 Watch the full podcast-style summary above or continue reading for a detailed breakdown of key concepts, methods, and properties that make shortest-path algorithms so essential in graph theory. Understanding the Shortest Path Problem The single-source shortest path problem asks: given a weighted, directed graph and a source vertex s , w...