Graph & Network Modeling¶
Graph and network modeling techniques are essential for solving problems involving relationships, connections, and hierarchical structures. These algorithms form the foundation for many real-world applications including social networks, transportation systems, and computer networks.
Techniques in This Category¶
| Technique | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| DFS / BFS | Depth-First Search and Breadth-First Search are fundamental graph traversal algorithms with different characteristics and use cases. | DFS / BFS |
| Dijkstra / Bellman-Ford | Shortest path algorithms for finding optimal routes in weighted graphs, each suitable for different graph types and constraints. | Dijkstra / Bellman-Ford |
| Union-Find | A data structure and algorithm for efficiently managing disjoint sets, commonly used for connectivity problems and minimum spanning trees. | Union-Find |
When to Use Graph Algorithms¶
Graph techniques are essential when: - Data has inherent relationships or connections - You need to find paths, cycles, or connectivity - Working with hierarchical or network structures - Solving optimization problems on connected components
Common Graph Problems¶
- Shortest Path: Finding the minimum cost path between nodes
- Connectivity: Determining if nodes are reachable from each other
- Cycle Detection: Identifying cycles in directed or undirected graphs
- Topological Sorting: Ordering nodes based on dependencies
- Minimum Spanning Tree: Finding the minimum cost tree connecting all nodes