DATA STRUCTURES PROGRAM • HEAPS, HASHING & DISJOINT SETS
Find a Minimum Spanning Tree with Kruskal's Algorithm
Learn how to find a minimum spanning tree with kruskal's algorithm using a clear C program.
PROBLEM UNDERSTANDING
Input and expected output
Sample input
No input required
Sample output
2-3(4) 0-3(5) 0-1(10) Cost = 19
COMPLETE C PROGRAM
Complete C implementation
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
struct Edge { int source; int destination; int weight; };
int compare_edges(const void *left, const void *right)
{
const struct Edge *first = left, *second = right;
return (first->weight > second->weight) - (first->weight < second->weight);
}
int find(int parent[], int value)
{
if (parent[value] != value) parent[value] = find(parent, parent[value]);
return parent[value];
}
int main(void)
{
struct Edge edges[] = {{0, 1, 10}, {0, 2, 6}, {0, 3, 5}, {1, 3, 15}, {2, 3, 4}};
qsort(edges, 5, sizeof edges[0], compare_edges);
int parent[] = {0, 1, 2, 3}, selected = 0, cost = 0;
for (int index = 0; index < 5 && selected < 3; index++) {
int first = find(parent, edges[index].source);
int second = find(parent, edges[index].destination);
if (first != second) {
parent[second] = first; cost += edges[index].weight; selected++;
printf("%d-%d(%d) ", edges[index].source, edges[index].destination, edges[index].weight);
}
}
printf("\nCost = %d\n", cost);
return 0;
}CURRENT STEP
SELECTED LINE
EXPECTED OUTPUT FOR THE SAMPLE
2-3(4) 0-3(5) 0-1(10) Cost = 19
Step 0 of 0
PROGRAM EXPLANATION
Algorithm and explanation
- Read the required input values.
- Process edges from smallest weight upward and accept only edges joining different sets.
- Display the computed result.
Process edges from smallest weight upward and accept only edges joining different sets.
EFFICIENCY
Time and space complexity
Time complexity
O(E log E)
Auxiliary space
O(V)
DEBUGGING CHECKLIST
Common mistakes
Check this
Use the correct format specifier for every variable.
Check this
Initialize variables before using their values.
Check this
Check braces, semicolons and input order carefully.
Try it yourself
Practice: Run the program with the sample input, predict its output, and then test one boundary case of your own.
