English

Constructions from Dots and Lines

Data Structures and Algorithms 2010-09-07 v1

Abstract

A graph is a data structure composed of dots (i.e. vertices) and lines (i.e. edges). The dots and lines of a graph can be organized into intricate arrangements. The ability for a graph to denote objects and their relationships to one another allow for a surprisingly large number of things to be modeled as a graph. From the dependencies that link software packages to the wood beams that provide the framing to a house, most anything has a corresponding graph representation. However, just because it is possible to represent something as a graph does not necessarily mean that its graph representation will be useful. If a modeler can leverage the plethora of tools and algorithms that store and process graphs, then such a mapping is worthwhile. This article explores the world of graphs in computing and exposes situations in which graphical models are beneficial.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1006.2361,
  title  = {Constructions from Dots and Lines},
  author = {Marko A. Rodriguez and Peter Neubauer},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1006.2361},
  year   = {2010}
}

Comments

In press with the Bulletin of the American Society for Information Science and Technology

R2 v1 2026-06-21T15:35:10.106Z