Description: A directed graph is a data structure composed of a set of nodes (or vertices) connected by edges (or arcs) that have an associated direction. This means that each edge has a starting point and an endpoint, allowing for the representation of asymmetric relationships between nodes. Unlike an undirected graph, where connections are bidirectional, in a directed graph, the connections are unidirectional, implying that if there is an edge going from node A to node B, there is not necessarily an edge going from B to A. This characteristic allows for modeling situations where direction is crucial, such as in traffic networks, information flows, or organizational hierarchies. Directed graphs are commonly represented using adjacency lists or adjacency matrices, facilitating their manipulation and analysis. Additionally, they are fundamental in search and optimization algorithms, such as Dijkstra’s algorithm for finding the shortest path in a graph. In summary, directed graphs are powerful tools in computer science and mathematics, enabling the representation and analysis of complex relationships in various applications.
