Shortest‐path algorithms: Taxonomy and annotation

Abstract We have evolved a classification scheme to characterize algorithms for solving shortestpath problems. The algorithms are classified according to (A) the problem type, i.e., the question being asked about the given network; (B) the input type, i.e., the salient features of the given network which impact on the design of the algorithm and selection of data structures; and (C) the type of underlying technique employed to solve the problem. An annotated bibliography of 79 selected references on shortest‐path algorithms is included. We have also provided a more complete listing of 222 references carefully culled out of a larger body of literature on shortest‐path algorithms through the year 1979.