Introduction to

Graphs and
Networks
Graph Theory Fundamentals
Graphs and Nodes Graph Properties
Graphs are mathematical Graphs can exhibit properties like
structures composed of nodes (or connectivity, weight, direction, and
vertices) connected by edges. more. Analyzing these properties
Understanding the relationship reveals important insights about
between these fundamental the networks they represent.
building blocks is key to graph
theory.
Graph Algorithms Real-World Applications
Specialized algorithms like Graphs have widespread
Dijkstra's and Kruskal's are used to applications in fields like social
solve fundamental graph problems networks, trasport, and computer
like shortest path and minimum science. Understanding graph
spanning tree. Mastering these theory is essential for modeling
algorithms is crucial. and solving complex,
interconnected problems.
Vertices and Edges
Graphs are mathematical structures composed
of vertices (also called nodes) and edges
(also called links or connections). Vertices
represent the fundamental elements or entities
in the graph, while edges represent the
relationships or interactions between them.
Vertices can be labeled with unique identifiers,
such as numbers or text, and can have
associated attributes or properties. Edges
connect pairs of vertices, representing a
connection or relationship between them. Edges
can be directed, indicating a one-way
relationship, or undirected, indicating a bi-
directional relationship.
Directed and
Undirected Graphs
Graphs can be classified as either directed or
undirected. In a directed graph, the edges
have a specific direction, indicated by arrows.
Undirected graphs have edges without a
defined direction, representing a symmetric
relationship between the connected nodes.

The choice between directed and undirected

graphs depends on the nature of the
connections in the problem domain. Directed
graphs are useful for modeling one-way
relationships, while undirected graphs capture
mutual or reciprocal connections.
Graph Representations
Graphs can be represented in
various ways, each with its
own advantages and use
cases. The two primary
representations are the
adjacency matrix and the
adjacency list.
The adjacency matrix uses a
2D array to store the
connections between nodes,
while the adjacency list uses a
collection of linked lists to
represent the neighbors of
each node.
 Graph Traversal Algorithms
Depth-First Search
1 (DFS)
DFS explores a graph by
following one path as far as Breadth-First Search (BFS)
possible before 2
backtracking. It's efficient BFS explores a graph level by level,
for finding connected visiting all neighboring nodes before
components and detecting moving to nodes further away. Useful
cycles. for finding shortest paths and
Topological Sorting
3 detecting bipartite graphs.
Topological sorting arranges
the vertices of a directed
acyclic graph (DAG) in a linear
order. Helpful for scheduling
tasks with dependencies.
 Shortest Path Problems
Dijkstra's Algorithm
A fundamental algorithm for finding the shortest path between two
nodes in a weighted graph. It efficiently explores all possible paths,
selecting the one with the lowest total cost.
Bellman-Ford Algorithm
An alternative to Dijkstra's, useful for graphs with negative
edge weights. It iteratively relaxes the distances until no
more improvements can be made.
A* Search
A heuristic-based algorithm that estimates the cost to
the goal, guiding the search towards the most
promising paths. Widely used in pathfinding and route
planning.
All-Pairs Shortest
Paths
Techniques like Floyd-Warshall algorithm that
compute the shortest paths between all pairs of
nodes in a graph. Useful for network analysis and
optimization.
Minimum Spanning Trees

1 Definition 2 Prim's Algorithm

A minimum spanning tree Prim's algorithm is a popular method
(MST) is a subset of the edges for finding the MST of a weighted
of a connected, weighted graph. It starts with a single vertex
graph that connects all the and greedily adds the cheapest
vertices together with the available edge until all vertices are
minimum possible total edge connected.
weight.
3 Kruskal's Algorithm 4 Applications
Kruskal's algorithm is another MSTs have numerous applications in
widely used technique for MST network design, transportation
computation. It sorts the edges planning, clustering, and other areas
by weight and adds them to where minimizing cost while
the MST one by one, avoiding maintaining connectivity is crucial.
cycles.
Network Flow and Applications

Network Flow Transportatio Communicati Supply Chain

n Networks on Networks Optimization
Analyzing and
optimizing the Modeling and Designing and Applying network
movement of optimizing analyzing the flow principles to
resources, transportation efficient streamline the
information, or systems, such as transmission of movement of
entities through traffic flow, airline data through goods, resources,
interconnected schedules, and computer and information in
nodes and logistics networks, complex supply
pathways. operations. telecommunication chains.
s, and the internet.
 Conclusion and Future Directions
• As we've explored the fascinating world of graphs and networks,
it's clear that this field holds immense potential for unlocking
insights and solving complex problems.
• Moving forward, we envision continued advancements in areas
such as machine learning applied to graph analysis, the
development of more efficient algorithms, and the exploration
of novel graph-based applications in fields ranging from social
networks to transportation systems.
• The future of graphs and networks is ripe with possibility, and
we're excited to see how this domain will continue to
evolve and transform the way we understand and interact
with the world around us. By staying at the forefront of
these advancements, we can unlock groundbreaking
solutions and drive innovation in countless industries.