Cyclic Graph
A cyclic graph is a type of graph in graph theory where at least one cycle exists, meaning there is a path that starts and ends at the same vertex without repeating edges. This contrasts with acyclic graphs, which have no cycles, and is fundamental in modeling systems with feedback loops or circular dependencies. It is widely used in computer science for representing data structures, network topologies, and dependency relationships.
Developers should learn about cyclic graphs when working on problems involving circular dependencies, such as in software dependency management, social network analysis, or circuit design, where cycles can indicate potential issues like infinite loops. Understanding cyclic graphs is crucial for algorithms like cycle detection, which is essential in compilers, deadlock prevention in operating systems, and ensuring data integrity in databases.