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Graph Algorithms the Fun Way

Powerful Algorithms Decoded, Not Oversimplified
by Jeremy Kubica
October 2024, 416 pp
ISBN-13: 
9781718503861
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Download Chapter 10: Minimum Spanning Trees

Look Inside!

Graph Algorithms the Fun Way pages 94-95Graph Algorithms the Fun Way pages 154-155Graph Algorithms the Fun Way pages 208-209

Graph Algorithms the Fun Way offers a refreshing approach to complex concepts by blending humor, imaginative examples, and practical Python implementations to reveal the power and versatility of graph-based problem-solving in the real world. Through clear diagrams, engaging examples, and Python code, you’ll build a solid foundation for addressing graph problems in your own projects.

Explore a rich landscape of cleverly constructed scenarios where:

  • Hedge mazes illuminate depth-first search
  • Urban explorations demonstrate breadth-first search
  • Intricate labyrinths reveal bridges and articulation points
  • Strategic planning illustrates bipartite matching

From fundamental graph structures to advanced topics, you will: 

  • Implement powerful algorithms, including Dijkstra’s, A*, and Floyd-Warshall
  • Tackle puzzles and optimize pathfinding with newfound confidence
  • Uncover real-world applications in social networks  and transportation system
  • Develop robust intuition for when and why to apply specific graph techniques

Delve into topological sorting, minimum spanning trees, strongly connected components, and random walks. Confront challenges like graph coloring and the traveling salesperson problem.

Prepare to view the world through the lens of graphs—where connections reveal insights and algorithms unlock new possibilities.

Author Bio 

Jeremy Kubica is an engineering director working at the intersection of computer science and astrophysics. He holds a PhD in robotics from Carnegie Mellon University and a BS in computer science from Cornell University. He is the author of The CS Detective, Data Structures the Fun Way (both from No Starch Press), and Computational Fairy Tales.

Table of contents 

Introduction

Part I: Graph Basics
Chapter 1: Representing Graphs
Chapter 2: Neighbors and Neighborhoods
Chapter 3: Paths Through Graphs

Part II: Search and Shortest Paths
Chapter 4: Depth-First Search
Chapter 5: Breadth-First Search
Chapter 6: Solving Puzzles
Chapter 7: Shortest Paths
Chapter 8: Heuristic Guided Searches

Part III: Connectivity and Ordering
Chapter 9: Topological Sort
Chapter 10: Minimum Spanning Tree
Chapter 11: Bridges and Articulation Points
Chapter 12: Strongly Connected Components
Chapter 13: Random Walks

Part IV: Max-Flow and Bipartite Matching
Chapter 14: Max-Flow Algorithms
Chapter 15: Bipartite Graphs and Bipartite Matching

Part V: Hard Graph Problems
Chapter 16: Graph Coloring
Chapter 17: Independent Sets and Cliques
Chapter 18: Tours Through Graphs

Appendix A: Constructing Graphs
Appendix B: Priority Queue
Appendix C: Union-Find
Conclusion

View the Copyright page
View the detailed Table of Contents
View the Index

Reviews 

"Graphs may be the most natural data structure in the world. This comprehensive book unpacks the magic and mystery of many fascinating graph algorithms that enable powerful applications and insights from graphs."
—Kirk Borne, PhD, Chief Science Officer at DataPrime