Graph Theory

Definition ∞ Graph theory is a branch of mathematics concerned with the study of graphs, which are abstract representations of objects and their relationships. It uses nodes (vertices) and edges (links) to model systems and analyze their connectivity, structure, and flow. This field provides a powerful framework for understanding complex networks and their properties.
Context ∞ Graph theory is foundational to understanding the structure and operation of blockchain networks, which can be viewed as distributed graphs. News concerning network topology, transaction propagation, or the analysis of relationships between addresses often implicitly or explicitly relies on principles from graph theory. Its application helps in visualizing network activity, identifying potential bottlenecks, and analyzing the flow of value within the cryptocurrency ecosystem.