How can I detect cycles in a graph?

How can I detect cycles in a graph?

You can use algorithms like Depth-First Search (DFS) or the Union-Find method to detect cycles in a graph.

Can you explain how the DFS method works for cycle detection?

Sure! In DFS, you traverse the graph and keep track of visited nodes. If you encounter a visited node that is not the parent of the current node, a cycle exists.

What about the Union-Find method? How does that work?

The Union-Find method uses disjoint sets to track connected components. If you try to connect two nodes that are already in the same set, a cycle is detected.

Are there any specific use cases for cycle detection?

Yes, cycle detection is crucial in various applications like deadlock detection in operating systems and analyzing network topologies.