Research any topic before you write.

Find related topics.Discover entities.See connections.Build a topical map.

A* search algorithm

A* (pronounced "A-star") is a graph traversal and pathfinding algorithm that is used in many fields of computer science due to its completeness, optimality, and optimal efficiency. Given a weighted graph, a source node and a goal node, the algorithm finds the shortest path (with respect to the given weights) from source to goal.

[EN, English, English]

History, Applications & Science

Interactive map loads when it comes into view.
Use the mouse wheel or two fingers (on touchscreens) to zoom in and out of the map.

Research this topic

Explore the main themes, entities and connections around A* search algorithm. Start with the topic map, then use the sections below for research and deeper semantic analysis.

Explore this topic

Start with a few of the strongest sections from the source topic. These are research directions, not a list of keywords you must use.

Key facts & relationships

High-confidence facts extracted from structured source data. Use them as anchors for further research.

Class
Search algorithm
Complete
yes
Data structure
Graph
Optimal
yes
Worst-case performance
O ( | E | log ⁡ | V | ) = O ( b d ) {\displaystyle O(|E|\log |V|)=O(b^{d})}
Worst-case space complexity
O ( | V | ) = O ( b d ) {\displaystyle O(|V|)=O(b^{d})}

Topics to explore

A structured outline of related entities, concepts and subtopics. Open any item to build a new map centered on it.

Browse the full topic structure. Each item opens a new analysis centered on that subject.

Overview

History

Description

Complexity

Applications

Relations to other algorithms

Variants

Advanced semantic analysis

Deeper signals for content research, entity SEO and topical coverage. The plain-language headings explain what each technical view is useful for.

Map overview Semantic statistics

Number of nodes, edges, triples, density and central hubs. Use it to gauge the size and connectivity of the map.

A* search algorithm

Nodes66
Edges65
Triples18
Avg. degree1.97
Density0.030303
Components1

How this topic connects Entity context

Quick relationship hints grouped by predicate. Useful for spotting recurring semantic connections around the current entity.

See the strongest relationship patterns around the current topic before diving into the raw triples.

A* search algorithm

Top relations

related to External links · 10
A* search algorithm → Archived, Brian Grinstead, February, Hierarchical Path-Finding, HPA, JavaScript, Retrieved, Search Algorithm, Updated, Variation
Class · 1
A* search algorithm → Search algorithm
Complete · 1
A* search algorithm → yes
Data structure · 1
A* search algorithm → Graph
Optimal · 1
A* search algorithm → yes
Worst-case performance · 1
A* search algorithm → O ( | E | log ⁡ | V | ) = O ( b d ) {\displaystyle O(|E|\log |V|)=O(b^{d})}
Worst-case space complexity · 1
A* search algorithm → O ( | V | ) = O ( b d ) {\displaystyle O(|V|)=O(b^{d})}

Important terminology Word statistics

Frequent words and multi-word phrases across the lead, headings, infobox and body. Useful for terminology coverage.

Use these terms to understand the vocabulary surrounding the topic, not as a checklist for keyword stuffing.

Important terminology

node algorithm heuristic path goal displaystyle search nodes optimal graph cost admissible textstyle consistent shortest function case distance start solution

Entity relationships Subject–Predicate–Object triples

Extracted RDF-like relationships with confidence and source. The table includes structured facts and lower-confidence contextual relations.
SubjectPredicateObjectConfidenceSrc
A* search algorithmClassSearch algorithm1.00infobox
A* search algorithmCompleteyes1.00infobox
A* search algorithmData structureGraph1.00infobox
A* search algorithmOptimalyes1.00infobox
A* search algorithmWorst-case performanceO ( | E | log ⁡ | V | ) = O ( b d ) {\displaystyle O(|E|\log |V|)=O(b^{d})}1.00infobox
A* search algorithmWorst-case space complexityO ( | V | ) = O ( b d ) {\displaystyle O(|V|)=O(b^{d})}1.00infobox
video gamesinstance ofis often used for the common pathfinding problem in applications0.80text
but was originally designed as a general graph traversal algorithminstance ofis often used for the common pathfinding problem in applications0.80text
A* search algorithmrelated to External linksVariation0.60section
A* search algorithmrelated to External linksHierarchical Path-Finding0.60section
A* search algorithmrelated to External linksHPA0.60section
A* search algorithmrelated to External linksBrian Grinstead0.60section

Related concept clusters Concept neighborhoods

Clusters of nearby vocabulary surrounding the topic. Scan them for adjacent concepts and language you may have missed.

These clusters group vocabulary that occurs around closely connected concepts in the source material.

    Connections between topic areas Semantic bridges

    Bridge nodes connect otherwise separate parts of the map. Expand a row to inspect the topic groups on each side.

    Bridges can reveal useful research angles that are easy to miss in a flat list of related terms.

    For writers, content strategists, SEOs, marketers and creators — from quick topic research to advanced semantic analysis.