Depth-first search

How it is used

Used in algorithm lessons, recursion examples, and graph problems. Often appears with backtracking, cycle detection, and topological processing.

Example sentences

1. The intern implemented depth-first search to detect cycles in the dependency graph before the build pipeline starts.

   Here it means exploring dependencies deeply along each path, which helps track visit states and spot a return to an active node.

2. When exporting nested folders, we used depth-first search so each subdirectory is processed completely before the next sibling.

   In this case, the term describes a traversal order that finishes one branch fully before moving sideways to another branch.

Common collocations

• depth-first search traversal
• recursive depth-first search
• run depth-first search

Related terms

• algorithmA clear, step-by-step method for solving a problem or doing a task, such as sorting a list or finding the shortest route between two points.
• recursionA technique where a function solves a problem by calling itself on a smaller part of the same problem until it reaches a simple case.

More terms: Data Structures and Algorithms

• data structure
• array
• iterate
• hash map
• Big O notation
• time complexity
• index
• sort
• stack
• queue
• linked list
• tree