Applications of Graph
Theory in Computer
Science
Presented by: Pranesh.S
Roll No: 25BCA134
What is Graph Theory?
Fundamental Concepts and Terminology
Graph theory is a branch of Core Components
mathematics that studies the
Vertices: Individual points or
properties and applications of
entities in the graph
graphs4mathematical structures
used to model pairwise Edges: Connections between
relationships between objects. vertices representing
relationships
A graph consists of vertices
Directed vs. Undirected:
(nodes) connected by edges
Whether connections have
(links). These simple structures
specific direction
form the foundation for solving
complex computational Weighted Graphs: Edges
problems across diverse with associated numerical
domains. values
Graph Algorithms
The Building Blocks of Computer Science
Graph algorithms form the computational backbone for analyzing,
traversing, and optimizing graph structures. These algorithms power
countless applications in modern computing systems.
Traversal Algorithms Shortest Path
Depth-First Search (DFS) and Dijkstra's and Bellman-Ford
Breadth-First Search (BFS) algorithms efficiently compute
systematically explore graph optimal routes between nodes,
nodes to discover paths, detect essential for navigation
cycles, and analyze systems and network
connectivity patterns. optimization.
Spanning Trees
Kruskal's and Prim's algorithms find minimum spanning trees,
connecting all vertices with minimal total edge weight for network
design.
Social Networks and Web Analysis
Mapping Digital Connections
Graph theory revolutionizes how we understand and analyze digital
social structures. Every user, post, and interaction becomes a node or
edge in massive interconnected networks.
Key Applications
Friend Recommendations: Analyzing mutual connections to
suggest new relationships
Community Detection: Identifying clusters of closely connected
users with shared interests
Influence Analysis: Measuring user impact through centrality
metrics and propagation patterns
Content Ranking: PageRank algorithm evaluates webpage
importance based on link structures
Social platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter leverage graph algorithms to process billions of connections daily,
creating personalized experiences for users worldwide.
Database Management
Systems
Optimizing Queries with Graph Structures
01 02
Graph Databases Query Optimization
Neo4j and other graph databases Relational databases use graph
store data as nodes and theory to optimize join operations
relationships, enabling lightning- and execution plans, minimizing
fast traversals for connected data computational overhead through
queries that traditional SQL intelligent path selection.
struggles with.
03
Dependency Management
Transaction ordering and concurrency control rely on directed acyclic
graphs (DAGs) to prevent deadlocks and maintain data consistency
across parallel operations.
Graph-based query optimization can reduce execution time by
up to 100x for complex relationship queries compared to
traditional relational approaches.
Network Routing Protocols
Finding the Shortest Path in Internet Infrastructure
The internet functions as a massive distributed graph where routers are
vertices and network connections are edges. Graph algorithms ensure
data packets reach their destinations efficiently.
OSPF Protocol
Open Shortest Path First uses Dijkstra's algorithm to
dynamically calculate optimal routes based on real-time
network conditions and link costs.
BGP Routing
Border Gateway Protocol manages routing between
autonomous systems using path vector algorithms to
determine the best inter-network routes.
Load Balancing
Traffic distribution across network paths uses graph-based
flow algorithms to prevent congestion and maximize
throughput efficiency.
Compiler Design
Dependency Graphs and Code Optimization
Modern compilers transform source code into optimized machine
instructions using sophisticated graph-based analysis techniques
that improve program performance dramatically.
Control Flow Graphs
Represent program execution paths to analyze reachability
and optimize branch predictions.
Data Flow Analysis
Track variable definitions and uses through the program to
eliminate redundant computations.
Dependency graphs identify which operations can
execute in parallel, enabling compilers to generate
3 highly optimized code for modern multi-core
processors.
Register Allocation
Graph coloring algorithms assign CPU registers optimally,
minimizing memory access overhead.
Machine Learning Applications
Graph Neural Networks and Knowledge Graphs
Graph Neural Networks Knowledge Graphs Scene Understanding
GNNs process graph-structured data Structured databases representing Vision systems use scene graphs to
directly, learning representations for real-world entities and relationships. represent spatial relationships between
nodes and edges. Applications include Google's Knowledge Graph powers objects, enabling more sophisticated
molecular property prediction, search results, while Amazon uses image comprehension and reasoning
recommendation systems, and traffic them for product recommendations. capabilities.
forecasting.
Computer Graphics and
Game Development
Pathfinding and Scene Graphs
A* Pathfinding Scene Graphs
The A* algorithm combines Hierarchical graph structures
Dijkstra's shortest path with organize 3D objects, managing
heuristic estimates to spatial relationships and
efficiently navigate game transformations. Essential for
characters through complex rendering optimization
environments. Used in through culling and level-of-
virtually every modern video detail techniques.
game for NPC movement.
Collision Detection
Spatial partitioning graphs like octrees and BSP trees accelerate
collision checking by eliminating unnecessary object pair tests,
enabling real-time physics simulation.
Graph algorithms enable realistic AI behavior, efficient rendering
pipelines, and immersive interactive experiences in modern gaming and
simulation applications.
Key Takeaways
The Ubiquity of Graphs in Modern Computing
Universal Framework Algorithm Foundation
Graph theory provides a unified mathematical Classic graph algorithms4from pathfinding to
language for modeling relationships, connectivity, and network flow4form essential building blocks that
networks across virtually all computing domains. power applications ranging from social media to
compiler optimization.
Emerging Applications Practical Impact
Graph neural networks and knowledge graphs From the internet infrastructure we rely on daily to the
represent the cutting edge, enabling AI systems to video games we play, graph theory operates invisibly
reason about structured relationships and complex behind the scenes, making modern computing
interconnected data. possible.
