Introduction

Graph traversal algorithms like DFS (Depth-First Search) and BFS (Breadth-First Search) are
essential for exploring and searching graphs and trees. While both serve the same purpose,
they differ in how they traverse the graph.
Let’s understand what is the difference between DFS and BFS, breaking down how each
algorithm works and when to use them. Understanding DFS vs BFS algorithm is important
for solving problems like finding paths, cycles, or levels in graphs, helping you choose the
right approach based on the situation.
What is DFS (Depth-First Search)?
Depth-First Search (DFS) is a popular algorithm used for traversing or searching
through graph or tree data structures. It starts at a source node (or vertex) and explores as far
along each branch or path as possible before backtracking.
This means it dives deep into the graph before moving to other branches, hence the name
"depth-first." DFS can be implemented using either recursion or a stack.
What is BFS (Breadth-First Search)?
BFS (Breadth-First Search) is a graph traversal algorithm that explores nodes level by level,
starting from a given source node. It visits all neighboring nodes at the current depth (or
level) before moving on to nodes at the next depth level. BFS is commonly used for
traversing or searching tree or graph data structures.
Difference Between DFS and BFS with Example
We will take an example to understand the difference between DFS and BFS:
1. BFS
Approach: BFS explores the graph level by level, starting from the source node. It visits all
the nodes at one level before moving to the next. BFS uses a queue to keep track of nodes
that need to be explored.
How it works: From the source node, BFS moves to all its direct neighbors (Layer 1), then
moves to the next layer (Layer 2), continuing until all nodes are visited.

Traversal Order:
 Starting from node 0:
 Layer 0: Visit node 0 (source node).
 Layer 1: Visit nodes 1, 2, 3 (neighbors of node 0).
 Layer 2: Visit nodes 4, 5, 6, 7 (neighbors of nodes 1, 2, 3).
 Output: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
2. DFS
Approach: DFS explores as deep as possible along a branch before backtracking. It uses
a stack (or recursion) to keep track of nodes and backtracks when it reaches a dead end.
How it works: Starting from the source node, DFS goes deeper into the graph, visiting one
branch of the graph first before backtracking to explore others.

Traversal Order:
 Starting from node 0:
 Visit node 0 → Visit node 1 → Visit node 4 (deepest) → Backtrack to node 1 → Visit
node 5 → Backtrack to node 0 → Visit node 2 → Visit node 6 → Backtrack to node 2
→ Visit node 3 → Visit node 7.
 Output: 0, 1, 4, 5, 2, 6, 3, 7

DFS and BFS Time Complexity

Criteria BFS (Breadth-First Search) DFS (Depth-First Search)

Time Complexity O(V + E) O(V + E)

V = Number of O(V) O(V)

Vertices

E = Number of O(E) O(E)

Edges

Graph Type Applies to both directed and Applies to both directed and
undirected graphs undirected graphs

Traversal Strategy Level-by-level (breadth) Depth-wise traversal

Difference between DFS and BFS

Criteria BFS (Breadth-First Search) DFS (Depth-First Search)

Traversal Method Explores all neighbors at the current level Explores as deep as possible alo
before moving to the next level. branch before backtracking.

Data Structure Used Queue (FIFO) Stack (LIFO) or recursion stack.

Time Complexity O(V + E) (V = vertices, E = edges) O(V + E) (V = vertices, E = edges

Space Complexity O(V) (due to queue storing nodes at the O(V) (due to recursion or explicit
current level)

Best for Finding the shortest path in an unweighted Exploring all possible paths or so
graph. puzzles like mazes.

Use Case - Shortest path in unweighted graphs (like - Solving maze or puzzle problem
social networks, web crawlers). - Detecting cycles in graphs, topo
- Level-order traversal of trees. sorting.

Performance on Deep May require more memory for wide/deep Efficient for deep graphs, as it tra
Graphs graphs, as the queue holds many nodes. single path at a time.

Performance on Wide Efficient for shallow/wide graphs, as it May require more memory for wid
Graphs processes level by level. as the recursion stack can grow l

Shortest Path Guaranteed to find the shortest path in an Not guaranteed to find the shorte
unweighted graph. explores all paths.

Path finding in Weighted Not suitable for weighted graphs. Not suitable for weighted graphs
Graphs Bellman-Ford should be used).

Cycle Detection Can detect cycles, but less commonly used Useful for detecting cycles in
for it. undirected graphs.

Recursive/Iterative Iterative (uses a queue) Can be recursive (via recursion s

iterative (using an explicit stack).

Graph Representation Can be used with both adjacency lists and Can be used with both adjacen
matrices. matrices.

Tree Traversal Used for level-order traversal in trees. Used for pre-order, in-order, an
traversal in trees.

Backtracking No backtracking. Uses backtracking to explore new

Algorithm Type Greedy approach (explores level by level). Backtracking approach (explores

Application in AI Used in algorithms like breadth-first search Used in algorithms like depth-first
for game AI (level exploration). solving constraint satisfaction pro

Example of Use Finding the shortest path from a source to Exploring all possible paths to so
all nodes in an unweighted graph.
When to Use: DFS vs BFS?
When to Use DFS:
 Exploring All Paths: DFS is useful when you need to explore all possible paths, such
as in maze solving or finding connected components in a graph.
 Backtracking Problems: DFS is great for problems that involve backtracking, like
solving puzzles, detecting cycles, or performing topological sorting in a graph.
 Memory Efficiency in Deep Graphs: DFS uses less memory on deep but narrow
graphs, as it only needs to store a single branch at a time.
 Tree Traversal: DFS is used for pre-order, in-order, and post-order traversal of trees.
When to Use BFS:
 Shortest Path in Unweighted Graphs: BFS is ideal for finding the shortest path in
unweighted graphs because it explores all nodes at the current level before moving
deeper.
 Level-Order Traversal: BFS is perfect for level-order traversal of trees or graphs,
visiting all nodes at the same depth.
 Shallow/Wide Graphs: BFS works well on shallow but wide graphs, as it explores
level by level and efficiently handles many nodes at a given depth.
 Minimum Moves or Steps: Problems like finding the minimum number of moves
(e.g., puzzles like Word Ladder) are better solved with BFS.