BFS vs DFS — Same Graph, Why Such Different Paths? Visualized in React

BFS and DFS show up in every technical

interview. Most developers know the

names but get confused explaining

the difference.

Until you see them run on the same graph.

The Core Difference

BFS (Breadth First Search) uses a Queue.

\javascript

// BFS — process level by level

const queue = [startNode];

while (queue.length > 0) {

const node = queue.shift(); // front

visited.add(node);

for (const neighbor of adj[node]) {

if (!visited.has(neighbor)) {

queue.push(neighbor); // back

}

}

}

\\

DFS (Depth First Search) uses a Stack

(or recursion).

\javascript

// DFS — go deep first

function dfs(node) {

visited.add(node);

for (const neighbor of adj[node]) {

if (!visited.has(neighbor)) {

dfs(neighbor); // recurse deep

}

}

}

\\

When to Use Each

BFS → Shortest path, level-order traversal,

GPS navigation, social network degrees

DFS → Cycle detection, topological sort,

maze solving, all possible paths

Watch It

What's Next

Dijkstra's Algorithm — shortest path in

weighted graphs. The algorithm powering

GPS navigation.

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