Dijkstra vs Bellman-Ford Shortest Path Differences
These flashcards cover two foundational shortest-path algorithms tested on coding interviews and CS coursework. Dijkstra's algorithm excels with non-negative weights, while Bellman-Ford handles negative edges and detects negative cycles. Understanding their tradeoffs is essential for graph problem solving in FAANG interviews and algorithms courses.
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5 CardsHow does Bellman-Ford detect negative cycles?
Time complexity comparison
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What is the main difference between Dijkstra and Bellman-Ford?
Dijkstra uses a greedy approach and only works with non-negative edge weights, running in O((V+E) log V). Bellman-Ford uses dynamic programming, handles negative weights, and detects negative cycles but is slower at O(V×E).
Which algorithm should I use for interview problems?
Use Dijkstra when all edge weights are non-negative (most common). Use Bellman-Ford when negative weights are present or when you need to detect negative cycles. Always check edge weight constraints first.
How many relaxation passes does Bellman-Ford perform?
Bellman-Ford performs V-1 relaxation passes over all edges, where V is the number of vertices. Each pass guarantees shortest paths with at most k edges are found after k passes.