Algorithms For Dummies
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Graphs are a form of common data structure used in algorithms. You see graphs used in places like maps for GPS and all sorts of other places where the top down approach of a tree structure won't work.

A graph is a sort of a tree extension. As with trees, you have nodes that connect to each other to create relationships. However, unlike binary trees, a graph can have more than one or two connections. In fact, graph nodes often have a multitude of connections. To keep things simple, though, consider the graph shown.

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Graph nodes can connect to each other in myriad ways.

In this case, the graph creates a ring where A connects to both B and F. However, it need not be that way. A could be a disconnected node or could also connect to C. A graph shows connectivity between nodes in a way that is useful for defining complex relationships.

Graphs also add a few new twists that you might not have thought about before. For example, a graph can include the concept of directionality. Unlike a tree, which has parent/child relationships, a graph node can connect to any other node with a specific direction in mind. Think about streets in a city. Most streets are bidirectional, but some are one-way streets that allow movement in only one direction.

The presentation of a graph connection might not actually reflect the realities of the graph. A graph can designate a weight to a particular connection. The weight could define the distance between two points, define the time required to traverse the route, or provide other sorts of information.

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John Mueller has produced 114 books and more than 600 articles on topics ranging from functional programming techniques to working with Amazon Web Services (AWS). Luca Massaron, a Google Developer Expert (GDE),??interprets big data and transforms it into smart data through simple and effective data mining and machine learning techniques.

John Mueller has produced 114 books and more than 600 articles on topics ranging from functional programming techniques to working with Amazon Web Services (AWS). Luca Massaron, a Google Developer Expert (GDE),??interprets big data and transforms it into smart data through simple and effective data mining and machine learning techniques.

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