Matrix as Graph: A Mental Model for Solving 2D Array Problems
The Aha Moment: Every Cell Is a Node If you’ve ever felt stuck staring at a grid problem, unsure where to start, you’re not alone. The breakthrough comes when you realize: a matrix is just a graph in disguise. Each cell in a 2D array is a node. The connections between adjacent cells (up, down, left, right, and sometimes diagonals) are the edges. Once this clicks, an entire category of problems becomes approachable using familiar graph algorithms. ...