On Comparative Algorithmic Pathfinding in Complex Networks for Resource-Constrained Software Agents

Abstract

Software engineering projects that utilize inappropriate pathfinding algorithms carry a significant risk of poor runtime performance for customers. Using social network theory, this experimental study examined the impact of algorithms, frameworks, and map complexity on elapsed time and computer memory consumption. The 1,800 2D map samples utilized were computer random generated and data were collected and processed using Python language scripts. Memory consumption and elapsed time results for each of the 12 experimental treatment groups were compared using factorial MANOVA to determine the impact of the 3 independent variables on elapsed time and computer memory consumption. The MANOVA indicated a significant factor interaction between algorithms, frameworks, and map complexity upon elapsed time and memory consumption, F(4, 3576) = 94.09, p \u3c .001, h2 = .095. The main effects of algorithms, F(4, 3576) = 885.68, p \u3c .001, h2 = .498; and frameworks, F(2, 1787) = 720,360.01, p .001, h2 = .999; and map complexity, F(2, 1787) = 112,736.40, p \u3c .001, h2 = .992, were also all significant. This study may contribute to positive social change by providing software engineers writing software for complex networks, such as analyzing terrorist social networks, with empirical pathfinding algorithm results. This is crucial to enabling selection of appropriately fast, memory-efficient algorithms that help analysts identify and apprehend criminal and terrorist suspects in complex networks before the next attack