A* Search
A* Search is a graph traversal and pathfinding algorithm that finds the shortest path between nodes by combining the cost to reach a node (g(n)) with a heuristic estimate of the cost to the goal (h(n)). It uses a priority queue to explore nodes with the lowest total estimated cost (f(n) = g(n) + h(n)), making it both optimal and efficient when the heuristic is admissible and consistent. Widely used in AI, robotics, and game development, it balances performance with accuracy in search problems.
Developers should learn A* Search when working on applications requiring efficient pathfinding, such as GPS navigation systems, video game AI for character movement, or robotics for autonomous navigation. It is particularly valuable because it guarantees finding the shortest path if the heuristic is admissible, and it performs better than algorithms like Dijkstra's by using heuristics to guide the search, reducing unnecessary exploration.