Graphs and data structures
In mathematics, networks are called graphs, nodes are called vertices, and links are called edges. In computer science (and in the D3 libraries) these terms are often used interchangeably. You don't have to be fluent in graph theory to create network visualizations, but it's good to know the basic terms and concepts, since it will help you choose the best network layout for your data.
A directed graph or network is one where each connection between two nodes has a specific direction (moving from A to B is not the same as moving from B to A). In an undirected (or symmetrical) graph, there is no difference. For example, a graph showing flight connections between countries is directed, since the number of flights leaving ...
Become an O’Reilly member and get unlimited access to this title plus top books and audiobooks from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers, thousands of courses curated by job role, 150+ live events each month,
and much more.
Read now
Unlock full access