I've got a question regarding the A* search algorithm's implementation.
According to Wikipedia, one has to use a priority queue for retrieving the next node with the lowest f value, is it possible to skip to a node that is not a direct descendant of the current node?
For example:
Say we start with node S (set f=0), then add nodes A (with f=5) and B (with f=3).
B is obviously picked, then we add its descendant C (with f=4). Since the priority queue holds A(5) and C(4), C is now picked.
With C we encounter two additional nodes, D (with f=7) and E (with f=8).
Clearly A has the lowest f value in the queue, which means it should be picked, however, it does not have a direct connection with C.
Is it possible to continue developing A even though it is not a direct descendant of C? or is it that D should be picked to develop.
Using a naive priority queue would choose A, is that fine?