Pathfinding is the process of determining the most efficient route from one point to another, often used in navigation and robotics. It involves algorithms that analyze various paths and obstacles to find the shortest or least costly route. Common applications include GPS systems and video games, where characters navigate complex environments. In computer science, pathfinding algorithms like A* and Dijkstra's are widely used. These algorithms evaluate different paths based on specific criteria, such as distance or time. By efficiently calculating routes, pathfinding helps improve navigation systems and enhances user experiences in interactive applications.