4.2.3 Graph Algorithms

(Difficulty Note: This is a significant jump in complexity. Focus on graphs as "connections" and the purpose of these algorithms.)

In computer science, a graph isn't a chart with bars and lines. It's a way to represent connections between different things. Imagine a map where cities are points and roads are lines connecting them. That's a graph!

Nodes (or Vertices): The individual points or items (like cities, people on a social network, or web pages).
Edges: The connections between the nodes (like roads, friendships, or hyperlinks).

Graph algorithms are special sets of instructions that help computers figure out things about these connections. They're used in many places, from finding the best route on a map to understanding how information spreads online.

Bibliography:

Mathematics | Graph Theory Basics . (n.d.). GeeksForGeeks. Retrieved July 11, 2025, from https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/engineering-mathematics/mathematics-graph-theory-basics/
Graph theory facts for kids (2025, June 10). Kiddle. Retrieved July 11, 2025, from https://kids.kiddle.co/Graph_theory

Further Reading:

A Beginner's Guide to Graphs - From Google Maps to Chessboards. (2025, June 2). freeCodeCamp.org. Retrieved from https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/a-beginners-guide-to-graphs/