Introduction

The Ford-Fulkerson algorithm is a fundamental method in computer science used to solve the
maximum flow problem in a flow network. This algorithm is crucial in various real-world applications,
such as network routing, image segmentation, and optimizing supply chains.

Let’s understand how the Ford-Fulkerson algorithm works, why it's important, and how it can be
applied to solve complex problems involving network flows.

Basics of Flow Network

A flow network is a directed graph where each edge has a capacity, which represents the maximum
amount of flow that can pass through that edge.

The network consists of:

 Source (S): The starting point of the flow, where the flow enters the network.

 Sink (T): The endpoint of the flow, where the flow exits the network.

 Nodes (or Vertices): Points in the network connected by edges. Flow moves from one node
to another through these edges.

 Edges: The connections between nodes, each with a certain capacity, which limits the
amount of flow that can pass through.

 Flow: The actual amount of flow that passes through an edge, which cannot exceed the
edge's capacity.

The Maximum Flow Problem

The maximum flow problem is a common challenge in flow networks. The goal is to determine the
maximum possible flow that can be sent from the source to the sink while respecting the capacity
constraints of the network.

To solve this problem, we need to find the flow configuration that maximizes the amount of flow
reaching the sink from the source. This involves identifying paths in the network where flow can be
increased until no more flow can be sent without exceeding the capacities.

Example:
Imagine a network of pipes where water flows from a reservoir (source) to a tank (sink). Each pipe
has a maximum capacity, limiting the amount of water it can carry. The maximum flow problem
would involve figuring out the maximum amount of water that can be sent from the reservoir to the
tank using these pipes, without any pipe being overloaded.

The Ford-Fulkerson algorithm is one of the most well-known methods for solving this problem, as it
systematically finds paths in the network to maximize the flow from the source to the sink.

What is Ford-Fulkerson Algorithm?

The Ford-Fulkerson algorithm is designed to solve the maximum flow problem in a flow network. The
core concept behind the algorithm is to find paths through the network, called augmenting paths,
where additional flow can be pushed from the source to the sink.
The algorithm increases the flow along these paths as much as possible, and it continues to find and
use these augmenting paths until no more can be found. At this point, the flow has been maximized,
and the algorithm terminates.

In simpler terms, the Ford-Fulkerson algorithm repeatedly looks for ways to send more flow through
the network and keeps doing so until it's no longer possible to send any more flow without violating
the capacity constraints.

Residual Graph in Ford-Fulkerson Algorithm

To efficiently find and manage augmenting paths, the Ford-Fulkerson algorithm uses a concept
called the residual graph. The residual graph is a transformed version of the original flow network
that shows the remaining capacity available on each edge after some flow has already been sent.

 Residual Capacity: The capacity left on an edge after considering the current flow. If an
edge has a capacity of 10 units and 4 units of flow are already passing through it, the
residual capacity would be 6 units.

 Backward Edges: In the residual graph, edges can be added in the reverse direction to
represent the possibility of reducing the flow on an edge. This is useful when adjusting the
flow to find new augmenting paths.

Augmenting Paths in Ford-Fulkerson Algorithm

An augmenting path is a path from the source to the sink in the residual graph where every edge has
a positive residual capacity. This means that additional flow can be pushed along this path without
exceeding any edge's capacity.

 Finding Augmenting Paths: The Ford-Fulkerson algorithm searches for augmenting paths
using techniques like Depth-First Search (DFS) or Breadth-First Search (BFS). Once an
augmenting path is found, the algorithm determines the maximum possible flow that can be
added along this path, which is limited by the smallest residual capacity on the path.

 Updating the Flow: After increasing the flow along the augmenting path, the algorithm
updates the residual graph to reflect the new residual capacities. This might involve reducing
the capacity of the forward edges and increasing the capacity of the backward edges in the
residual graph.
  Repeating the Process: The algorithm continues to find and use augmenting paths until no
more can be found, meaning that the residual graph no longer contains a path from the
source to the sink. At this point, the flow in the network is maximized.

Example:
Imagine a series of roads (edges) connecting different cities (nodes), with each road having a certain
maximum capacity for cars (flow).

The Ford-Fulkerson algorithm finds routes (augmenting paths) where more cars can be sent from
one city to another, updating the available road space (residual graph) after each trip. It repeats this
until all possible routes are fully utilized.

How Ford-Fulkerson Algorithm Works?

1. Initialize Flow to Zero
Start by setting the initial flow in the network to zero. This means that no flow is currently being sent
from the source to the sink.

This sets the stage for the algorithm to begin finding paths where flow can be added.

2. Construct the Residual Graph

Create a residual graph based on the initial flow (which is zero). The residual graph represents the
remaining capacity on each edge after considering the current flow.

The residual graph helps the algorithm keep track of where flow can still be added and how much
capacity is left on each edge.

3. Find an Augmenting Path Using DFS or BFS

Search the residual graph for an augmenting path from the source to the sink. This path should have
available capacity on all edges (i.e., the residual capacity should be positive).

An augmenting path is a route where additional flow can be sent through the network. The algorithm
generally uses Depth-First Search (DFS) or Breadth-First Search (BFS) to find these paths.

4. Increase the Flow Along the Path

Once an augmenting path is found, determine the maximum amount of flow that can be added along
this path. This is limited by the edge with the smallest residual capacity on the path.

By adding flow along the augmenting path, the algorithm pushes more flow from the source to the
sink, moving closer to the maximum flow.

5. Update the Residual Graph

After increasing the flow, update the residual graph to reflect the changes. This involves reducing the
capacity on the forward edges (where flow was added) and increasing the capacity on the backward
edges (which represent the possibility of reducing flow if needed).

Updating the residual graph ensures that the algorithm accurately tracks the current state of the
network and where further flow can be added.

6. Repeat Until No Augmenting Path is Found

Continue finding and using augmenting paths to increase the flow until no more augmenting paths
can be found in the residual graph.

When no augmenting path exists, the algorithm has found the maximum flow from the source to the
sink.