Gain insights into key graph algorithms, including depth-first search, shortest paths, and flow networks. Explore their applications and foundational role in advanced computing disciplines.

This technology-agnostic course will teach you about many classical graph algorithms essential for a well-rounded software engineer. 

You will begin with an introduction to the running-time analysis of algorithms and the representation and structure of graphs. You’ll cover the depth-first search algorithm and its many applications, like detecting cycles, topological sorting, and identifying cut-vertices and strongly connected components. You will then cover algorithms for finding shortest paths and minimum spanning trees. You’ll also learn about the Ford-Fulkerson algorithm and its use in finding a maximum flow and minimum cut in networks. Moreover, you will adapt it to find maximum matchings and minimum vertex covers in bipartite graphs. Finally, you will learn about the Gale-Shapley algorithm for finding stable matchings.

The material in this course serves as a basis for other advanced algorithms, like parallel and distributed algorithms, and has many diverse applications in other computing disciplines.

Mastering Graph Algorithms

# The task at hand

Given the graph in the playground below, select a vertex that you would like to serve as the root vertex. Now, grab a paper and a pen and figure out the minimum spanning tree found by Prim’s algorithm from the highlighted source vertex to all other vertices.

You may verify your solution by clicking the “Run Prim’s Algorithm” button.

> **Note:**
>- You can also experiment on a different graph using these 
#concept=instructions#instructions.#concept#
> - If you choose to add a new edge, its weight will be generated randomly. 
> - If the automatically generated labels overlap with vertices or edges, you may view them more clearly by dragging the vertices of the given graph (after selecting the “Drag vertices” checkbox).


 

Test your understanding of Prim’s algorithm.

Introduction

Review: Asymptotic Notation and Math Prerequisites

Working with Graphs

Depth-First Search and Applications

Prelude: Shortest Paths

Single-source Shortest Paths in Weighted Digraphs

All Pairs Shortest Paths

Minimum Spanning Tree

Flows

Matchings and Vertex Covers

Conclusion

Use Simulated Annealing for the Traveling Salesman Problem

Exercise: Prim’s Algorithm

The task at hand