Floyd–Warshall Algorithm in C++ — All-Pairs Shortest Paths (DP)
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Floyd–Warshall Algorithm in C++ — All-Pairs Shortest Paths (DP)
Mashrur Rahman
8/12/2025
Graph Algorithms
Published
# Floyd–Warshall — All-Pairs Shortest Paths (C++)
## Summary
Floyd–Warshall computes shortest paths between every pair of vertices using dynamic programming. It is simple and handles negative weights (but not negative cycles).
## Algorithm
Let `d[i][j]` be shortest distance from `i` to `j`. Initialize with direct edge weights (or `∞` if no edge). Update:
```cpp\nfor (k = 0..n-1) for (i = 0..n-1) for (j = 0..n-1) d[i][j]= min(d[i][j], d[i][k]+ d[k][j]);\n```
## Complexity
- Time: **O(n^3)**
- Space: **O(n^2)**
## Repo notes
See `floyed_warshall.cpp` in the repository: `https://github.com/mashrur-rahman-fahim/algorithm/blob/main/floyed_warshall.cpp`.
The implementation includes a `path` matrix for reconstructing paths.
## When to use
- Use for dense graphs or when `n` is small to moderate and you need all-pairs results.
## Pitfalls
- O(n^3) becomes infeasible for large `n` (e.g., n>1000). Prefer Johnson's algorithm for sparse graphs.
## Source
`https://github.com/mashrur-rahman-fahim/algorithm/blob/main/floyed_warshall.cpp`.