Dijkstra Algorithm Questions Medium
The graph data structure plays a crucial role in the Dijkstra Algorithm as it represents the network or map of interconnected nodes or vertices. It is used to model the problem at hand, where each node represents a location or a point of interest, and the edges represent the connections or paths between these locations.
The graph data structure allows the algorithm to efficiently navigate through the network and find the shortest path from a given source node to all other nodes in the graph. It provides a way to store and organize the information about the nodes and their connections, enabling the algorithm to make informed decisions on which paths to explore and which ones to discard.
Specifically, the graph data structure is used to store the following information:
1. Nodes or vertices: Each node in the graph represents a location or a point of interest. It contains information such as its unique identifier, coordinates, or any other relevant attributes.
2. Edges or connections: The edges in the graph represent the connections or paths between the nodes. They contain information such as the weight or cost associated with traversing that edge. In the context of the Dijkstra Algorithm, these weights typically represent the distance or time required to travel between two nodes.
By utilizing the graph data structure, the Dijkstra Algorithm can efficiently explore the network, calculate the shortest path from the source node to all other nodes, and keep track of the minimum distances or costs associated with each node. This information is crucial for determining the optimal path and finding the shortest route in various applications, such as navigation systems, network routing, or resource allocation.