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Introduction to Graphs

Explore the concept of graphs as a non-linear data structure consisting of vertices and edges. Understand key terminology such as adjacent vertices, paths, cycles, and degree. Discover why graphs are essential for modeling relationships in social networks, navigation, and communication systems. Learn how to represent graphs in JavaScript by creating nodes and managing their connections.

A graph is a non-linear data structure made up of two main components:

  • Vertices (nodes)

  • Edges

A vertex represents an object, person, place, or thing, while an edge represents a connection or relationship between two vertices.

Unlike linear data structures such as arrays or linked lists, graphs are designed to represent complex relationships where elements can be connected in many different ways.

Why graphs matter

Graphs are extremely useful because many real-world systems can be modeled as networks of connected entities.

For example:

  • In a social network, ...