computational graph

A computational graph is a visual representation of a mathematical process where each node represents a specific operation (like addition or multiplication) or data (like inputs or variables). The arrows show the flow of data between operations, illustrating how complex calculations are broken down into smaller, manageable steps. This structure helps computers efficiently perform tasks like training machine learning models by clearly outlining the sequence of computations and dependencies, allowing for systematic optimization and backpropagation. In essence, it’s a map that guides the computer through complex calculations step-by-step.