Final answer:
Depth-first and breadth-first are search algorithms used in computer science to solve problems, such as game strategies for chess and tic-tac-toe. These methods provide a systematic approach for the program to determine the best moves.
Step-by-step explanation:
The methods of depth-first and breadth-first tree search are examples of algorithmic strategies used in problem-solving within the field of computer science, particularly in game playing like chess and tic-tac-toe. An algorithm is akin to a recipe, providing detailed, step-by-step instructions to reach a consistent outcome. These search algorithms are crucial in navigating the possible moves in games, allowing a program to decide the most strategic move to take next.
Depth-first search explores as far as possible along one branch before backtracking, which can be deep but not necessarily wide, while breadth-first search explores all the neighbor nodes at the present depth prior to moving on to nodes at the next depth level. Both these search methods are implemented in various aspects of technology, from online search engines to social networks' newsfeeds where they serve to sort and display information based on certain criteria.