Dijkstras algorithm is an algorithm for finding the shortest path between nodes in a weighted graph, which may represent, for example, road networks. It is used to solve many single-source shortest path problems having non-negative edge weight in the graphs, i.e., it is used to find the shortest distance between two vertices on a graph. The algorithm uses a greedy approach in the sense that it finds the next best solution hoping that the end result is the best solution for the whole problem.
Dijkstras algorithm has several real-world use cases, some of which are as follows:
- Digital Mapping Services in Google Maps: Dijkstras algorithm is used to find the minimum distance between two locations along the path.
- IP routing to find Open Shortest Path First: Dijkstra’s algorithm is widely used in the routing protocols required by the routers to update their forwarding table.
- GPS devices: Dijkstra’s algorithm is used in GPS devices to find the shortest path between the current location and the destination.
- Industry: Dijkstra’s algorithm has broad applications in industry, especially in domains that require modeling networks.
In summary, Dijkstras algorithm is used to find the shortest path between nodes in a weighted graph, and it has several real-world applications in digital mapping services, IP routing, GPS devices, and industry.
