From 0 to 1 Data Structures & Algorithms in Java - Prim's Algorithm For a Minimal Spanning Tree

The video tutorial introduces the concept of minimal spanning trees, explaining their properties and applications. It then delves into Prim's algorithm, a method for finding minimal spanning trees in undirected, connected graphs. The tutorial highlights the differences between Prim's and Dijkstra's algorithms, emphasizing Prim's focus on minimizing total edge weight. The video concludes with a step-by-step example of Prim's algorithm, illustrating its practical application in constructing a minimal spanning tree.

What is a minimal spanning tree?

Explain the difference between a spanning tree and a minimal spanning tree.

Why are minimal spanning trees useful in real-world applications?

Describe the first step of Prim's algorithm.

What is the significance of the distance table in Prim's algorithm?

How does Prim's algorithm differ from Dijkstra's algorithm?

What is the role of edge weights in determining the minimal spanning tree?

What conditions must be met when choosing an edge to add to the minimal spanning tree?

What happens to the distance table as new vertices are added to the minimal spanning tree?

Explain how the final minimal spanning tree is constructed using Prim's algorithm.