Which traversal method is more memory efficient for sparse graphs?
Practice Questions
Q1
Which traversal method is more memory efficient for sparse graphs?
BFS
DFS
Both are equal
Neither is efficient
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
Which traversal method is more memory efficient for sparse graphs?
Step 1: Understand what sparse graphs are. Sparse graphs have fewer edges compared to the number of nodes.
Step 2: Learn about traversal methods. The two common methods are Depth-First Search (DFS) and Breadth-First Search (BFS).
Step 3: Know how DFS works. DFS explores as far as possible along each branch before backtracking, using a stack (which can be implemented with recursion).
Step 4: Know how BFS works. BFS explores all neighbors at the present depth before moving on to nodes at the next depth level, using a queue.
Step 5: Compare memory usage. DFS typically uses less memory because it only needs to store the current path in the stack, while BFS needs to store all nodes at the current level in the queue.
Step 6: Conclude that for sparse graphs, DFS is more memory efficient than BFS.
