Understanding Matrix In Programming: What Is It And Why Is It Important?
Are you ready to learn all about the fascinating concept of the Matrix? This blog is designed just for you to familiarize yourself with the different types of matrices and how they are used in different contexts.
Matrices in programming are basically a 2D array since both the components have rows and columns. Where the matrix array has a row and a column, the 2D array consists of a subscript of the row and similarly a column subscript.
If you are eager to learn more about the importance of matrices in programming then you have landed on the right blog. We will discuss the matrix median and how to set matrix zeroes, so read along.
What is the Matrix?
The matrix can be defined as data defined in a rectangular manner which is represented in rows and columns. These numbers are commonly referred to as entries or elements in Matrix terms. This concept is widely studied in several branches of mathematics, economics, physics, and engineering as well.
The matrices are demonstratively similar to arrays and they are essentially used to present in computer programs. One of the main advantages of using matrices in the study of graphics programming is that you can use a single matrix to determine any given number of transformations.
Now, you might have caught up on the fact that matrices are in fact used in several fields of programming so let us take a look at the features of the matrix in coding:
What is matrix code?
The matrix codes are pretty much 2-D barcodes that are commonly used to store information related to items and goods which we normally consume and use in our daily lives. You can find these barcodes on driver's licenses, passports, shipped product IDs, etc.
These are essential items that are used or consumed on a regular basis and the help of the barcode in storing data in important information for these items and services. This makes it widely easier to track them and trace their source of origin along with other information.
What are the different types of matrices used in C programs?
We have discussed the different types of matrices that will be used to solve different questions on C programs below:
Square matrix- This is the matrix that has equal numbers of columns and rows.
Identity matrix- This is a diagonal matrix within which all principal diagonal components are equal to 1.
Singular matrix- The determinant of a singular matrix is always 0.
Zero matrix- The matrix which has 0 in all its positions is known as Zero matrix.
Row vector- These are the horizontal rows of a matrix.
Scalar matrix- This is when all the components in the principal diagonal are equal.
Orthogonal matrix- These matrices generate perpendicular vectors.
Triangular matrix- All the square matrices are also known as triangular matrices.
Skew-symmetric matrix- This is an asymmetrical matrix whose transpose is negative and which is also in the form of a square matrix.
Idempotent matrix- All the square matrices that have an n order are known as idempotent matrices.
Involutory matrix- If A2 = I it is known as an Involutary matrix.
Symmetric matrix- The matrix which is a square and is equivalent to the transpose matrix is also known as the Symmetric matrix.
Hermitian matrix- This matrix is used in linear algebra.
Main diagonal- The diagonal of a matrix is also referred to as its main diagonal.
These were all the basic facts about the matrix which you are required to know for the field of programming. Now we will move on to the subject of matrix median.
Matrix median
A matrix median can be defined as the median which has two arrays that are sorted and of the same size. This can be better understood by solving an example problem, you can find one discussed below:
Q. nums1 and nums2 are two different sorted arrays of the respective sizes m and n. You are being asked to return the median of the sorted arrays.
arr1[] -> 1 3 4 7 10 12
arr2[] -> 2 3 6 15
ds-> 1 2 3 3 4 6 7 10 12 15 (find the mid)
4+6/2 = 5
TC -> O (N1 + N2)
SC -> (N1 + N2)
at 1 2 3 4 5 6
Finally, for the last section of the blog, we will pivot to an example question related to set matrix zeroes.
Set Matrix Zeros
The following question is a hard-level example so the readers are requested to solve a few basic level questions before attempting this one.
Q. You have been provided a matrix with m x n. Set the whole column to 0, if you find that the element is also 0.
#update row/col
for r in range(M):
for C in range(N):
if matrix[r] [c] == 0:
row[r] = 0
col [c] = 0
#update rows
for r in range(M):
if row[r] == 0:
matrix[r] = [0]*N
for c in range(N):
if col[C] == 0:
for i in range (M):
matrix[i][c] = 0
Conclusion
In light of what we have discussed so far, Matrix is basically an array with rows and columns which sometimes represents a perfect square. There are different types of matrices that we have tried to cover in this blog.
Along with that we have also defined the use of matrices in coding and c programming. There are a few questions that you can read through as an example each from the matrix median and the set matrix zeroes problems.