Algorithms were named after Al-Khwarizmi, a mathematician who lived 1200 years ago and made significant contributions to graph theory. Graph search algorithms are used to traverse graphs in the most efficient way possible, with two basic types: depth-first and breadth-first searches. Dijkstra's algorithm is a type of breadth-first search that finds the shortest path between two nodes in a graph by exploring all possible paths level by level. The A* algorithm improves upon Dijkstra's by combining elements of both breadth-first and best-first searches, using a heuristic to guide its search and choosing the node with the lowest overall cost at each level. Graph search algorithms are essential for solving real-world problems, but the choice of algorithm depends on the type of results desired. Understanding the basics of graph technology is crucial for making informed decisions about which algorithm to use in different situations.