Graph Algorithms
Graph algorithms are computational procedures designed to solve problems on graph data structures, which consist of nodes (vertices) connected by edges. They are fundamental in computer science for modeling relationships and networks, such as social connections, web pages, or transportation systems. Common algorithms include breadth-first search (BFS), depth-first search (DFS), Dijkstra's algorithm for shortest paths, and algorithms for finding minimum spanning trees or detecting cycles.
Developers should learn graph algorithms when working with networked data, such as in social media apps, recommendation systems, routing software, or dependency management in build tools. They are essential for optimizing performance in scenarios like finding the shortest route in maps, analyzing connectivity in networks, or solving puzzles in game development. Mastery of these algorithms improves problem-solving skills and is often required in technical interviews for software engineering roles.