A New Algorithm Makes It Faster to Find the Shortest Paths
9 hours ago
- #computer science
- #shortest path
- #algorithm
- Researchers have developed a new algorithm that breaks the 'sorting barrier' in finding the shortest paths in networks.
- The shortest-paths problem involves finding the most efficient route from a starting point to all other points in a network.
- Traditional algorithms, like Dijkstra's, sort points by distance, which imposes a speed limit on how fast the algorithm can run.
- The new algorithm avoids sorting by clustering nodes and selectively using the Bellman-Ford method to scout ahead.
- This approach works on both undirected and directed graphs, overcoming previous limitations.
- The algorithm is more intricate but runs slightly faster than Dijkstra's, with potential for further optimization.
- The breakthrough could lead to even faster algorithms in the future, as the new method is not yet at any known fundamental limit.