A* Search is a popular algorithm used in pathfinding and graph traversal. It efficiently finds the shortest path from a starting point to a target by combining features of both Dijkstra's algorithm and Greedy Best-First Search. The algorithm uses a cost function that considers both the distance traveled and an estimated distance to the goal, allowing it to prioritize paths that seem promising.
The A* algorithm maintains a priority queue of nodes to explore, selecting the node with the lowest total cost at each step. This approach ensures that A* is both optimal and complete, making it suitable for various applications, including robotics and video games.