Dijkstra's Shortest Path Algorithm Concepts

The video tutorial explains Dijkstra's shortest path algorithm, its prerequisites, and its application in finding the shortest path in a weighted graph. It covers the algorithm's limitations, practical uses, and provides a step-by-step guide to implementing it using tables and pseudocode. The video also discusses how to handle infinity in programming languages and offers a practical example of using the algorithm for navigation.

What is a limitation of Dijkstra's Shortest Path Algorithm?

• It cannot handle graphs with negative edge weights.

• It only works on unweighted graphs.

• It requires the graph to be a tree.

• It can only find paths between two specific nodes.

What is the main purpose of Dijkstra's Shortest Path Algorithm?

• To find the shortest path between nodes in a weighted graph

• To sort nodes in a graph

• To find the longest path in a graph

• To calculate the total weight of a graph

What is the initial distance set for each node in Dijkstra's algorithm?

• Zero

• Infinity

• The edge weight

• The node's index

What is the role of edge weights in Dijkstra's algorithm?

• They are used to calculate distances

• They are used to label nodes

• They determine the order of node visits

• They are ignored

How does Dijkstra's algorithm determine the next node to visit?

• By selecting the node with the shortest distance from the start

• By choosing the node with the highest edge weight

• By randomly selecting a node

• By choosing the node with the most connections

What happens if two nodes have the same shortest distance in Dijkstra's algorithm?

• The node with the higher index is chosen

• Both nodes are visited simultaneously

• Either node can be chosen next

• The algorithm fails

In the practical application of Dijkstra's algorithm, what is used to represent towns?

• Edges

• Nodes

• Weights

• Paths

How is infinity represented in Python for Dijkstra's algorithm?

• Using a very large integer

• Using the float 'inf'

• Using a special library

• Using a string 'infinity'

What is a practical application of Dijkstra's algorithm mentioned in the video?

• Sorting data

• GPS navigation

• Data encryption

• Image processing

What is a key takeaway about Dijkstra's algorithm regarding multiple shortest paths?

• It will show one possible path

• It cannot handle multiple paths

• It will show all possible paths

• It can only find one path