What is graph representation in computer science?

What is graph representation in computer science?

Graph representation refers to the way in which a graph is stored and manipulated in a computer. It can be done using various structures like adjacency lists, adjacency matrices, or edge lists.

Can you explain the difference between adjacency lists and adjacency matrices?

Sure! An adjacency list uses a list to represent each vertex and its connected vertices, which is space-efficient for sparse graphs. An adjacency matrix, on the other hand, is a 2D array where each cell indicates whether a pair of vertices is connected, making it easier to check for edges but less space-efficient for sparse graphs.

When would you choose one representation over the other?

You'd choose an adjacency list for sparse graphs to save space, while an adjacency matrix is better for dense graphs where quick edge lookups are needed.

What are some real-world applications of graph representation?

Graph representation is used in social networks, transportation systems, recommendation systems, and network topology analysis.