Algorithms For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Chapter 8

Understanding Graph Basics

IN THIS CHAPTER

Defining why networks are important

Demonstrating graph drawing techniques

Considering graph functionality

Using numeric formats to represent graphs

Graphs are structures that present a number of nodes (or vertexes) connected by a number of edges or arcs (depending on the representation). When you think about a graph, think about a structure like a map, where each location on the map is a node and the streets are the edges. This presentation differs from a tree where each path ends up in a leaf node. A tree could look like an organizational chart or a family hierarchy. Most important, tree structures actually do look like trees and have a definite start and end. This chapter begins by helping you understand the importance of networks, which are a kind of graph commonly used for all sorts of purposes.

You can represent graphs in a variety of ways, most of them abstract. Unless you’re really good at visualizing abstractions in your ...