Question

Difference between a* and ao* algorithm?

Answer 1

A* is a computer algorithm which is used in pathfinding and graph traversal. It is used in the process of plotting an efficiently directed path between a number of points called nodes.

In a* algorithm you traverse the tree in depth and keep moving and adding up the total cost of reaching the cost from the current state to the goal state and add it to the cost of reaching the current state.

In ao* algorithm you follow a similar procedure but there are constraints traversing specific paths. When you traverse those paths, cost of all the paths which originate from the preceding node are added till that level, where you find the goal state regardless of the fact whether they take you to the goal state or not.

Answer 2

Both A* algorithm and AO* algorithm are used in the field of Artificial Intelligence in Computer Science Engineering.

An A* algorithm is an OR graph algorithm that is used to determine just one solution. On the other hand, an AO* algorithm is an AND-OR graph algorithm, which can be used to determine over one solution.