Image a graph. In which instances is it more appropriate to use an adjacency list instead of an adjacency matrix?

There are two criteria that usually determine whether we use an adjacency list or an adjacency matrix?a. The size of the graph and the number of edges. If the graph has a very big number of nodes but has only a small amount of edges, then we are faced with what we call a 'sparse' graph. Using an adjacency list would save a lot of space, because it would not allocate space for non-existing edges, just as an adjacency matrix would do.b. How many accesses we want to make using the representation. An adjacency matrix has the benefit that every access is O(1), while an adjacency list usually requires parsing through the elements before we reach the desired nodes. So in the case in which we only do a small number of accesses, again for the benefit of saving space, we can use an adjacency list.

CB
Answered by Calin B. Computing tutor

1567 Views

See similar Computing A Level tutors

Related Computing A Level answers

All answers ▸

When data is transmitted over long distances, latency can become an issue. Explain what latency is.


Define resolution in regards to images and how it differs from colour depth


How to represent a negative decimal number using 8-bit binary two's complement ?


What is the difference between simplex, half duplex and full duplex?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning