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C++ Graphs (Logic)
Please do not post links, code, algorithms, or copy another reference unless directly related to my question. I am looking to understand a certain aspect, and this aspect only.
I am trying to fully understand graphs in C++. I am trying to understand how to get the shortest distance from point A in a graph to point B. However, let's say our graph is a graph of a city, or country, or bigger. Now if we want to get the shortest distance from point A to point B we have a problem. The problem is that there are billions of streets and different ways to go and the user wants a response quickly, what can we do?
Do graphs have to be created in a way that basic assumptions can be made? For example south-west to north-east, would you want to assume north over south west over east?
Can you ever get THE shortest way or do you have to settle?
I think from this you can understand where my confusion lies, I do not require specific answers to specific questions, simply see my confusion and guide me if you can, please.
I am trying to fully understand graphs in C++. I am trying to understand how to get the shortest distance from point A in a graph to point B. However, let's say our graph is a graph of a city, or country, or bigger. Now if we want to get the shortest distance from point A to point B we have a problem. The problem is that there are billions of streets and different ways to go and the user wants a response quickly, what can we do?
Do graphs have to be created in a way that basic assumptions can be made? For example south-west to north-east, would you want to assume north over south west over east?
Can you ever get THE shortest way or do you have to settle?
I think from this you can understand where my confusion lies, I do not require specific answers to specific questions, simply see my confusion and guide me if you can, please.
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itsmeandnobodyelse
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So then, what is the most common usage for a graph and why?
The following is a link to "Graphs and their Uses", a book by Oystein Ore, on Amazon.com for $27.30 (used $9.94). It is well worth the reading and will provide answers to your questions much better than any dialog on this forum.
http://www.amazon.com/Graphs-their-Uses-Mathematical-Library/dp/0883856352#noop
http://www.amazon.com/Graphs-their-Uses-Mathematical-Library/dp/0883856352#noop
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If you google for "shortest path problem C++" you got a lot of solutions, e. g. at
http://ds4beginners.wordpress.com/2006/12/17/code-2-for-dijkstras-shortest-path-algorithm-in-c/
http://ds4beginners.wordpress.com/2006/12/17/code-2-for-dijkstras-shortest-path-algorithm-in-c/
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