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What is a vertex in a graph?

A vertex is the basic element of a graph that represents an object, point, or entity.

Vertices are nodes that connect to each other via edges.

Example:

  • In a road graph, vertices are cities.
  • In a social network, vertices are users.
  • In a computer network, vertices are devices or servers.

Properties of a vertex:

  • Can have an identifier (a number, a name).
  • Can hold data (for example, a weight, a label, coordinates).
  • Can be connected to other vertices via edges.

Types of vertices:

  • Isolated - not connected to any other vertex.
  • Adjacent - has at least one edge leading to another vertex.

Summary: a vertex is a "point", and edges are the "lines" that connect these points, forming the structure of a graph.

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