connectedTo

ConnectedTo is a binary relation used in graph theory and related disciplines to indicate that two entities are linked by a direct connection. When A is ConnectedTo B, there is typically an edge or immediate link from A to B. In undirected graphs the relation is symmetric: if A is ConnectedTo B, then B is ConnectedTo A. In directed graphs, ConnectedTo commonly denotes a directed edge from A to B, and may model flows, dependencies, or one-way links. Depending on context, the term can also describe connectivity more broadly, meaning there exists a path from A to B, not necessarily a direct edge.

In practical use, ConnectedTo appears as a predicate for relationships between nodes, components, or data objects. In graph databases and knowledge graphs, edges labeled "connectedTo" express a relation with optional properties such as weight, capacity, or timestamps. In software engineering and data modeling, components, modules, or services may be described as connectedTo other components to illustrate communication channels, dependencies, or data flow.

Key distinctions include direct adjacency versus overall connectivity. A is directly ConnectedTo B implies a single edge, whereas A is ConnectedTo B in the connectivity sense means a path may exist from A to B through intermediate nodes. The concept underpins analyses of network structure, path finding, clustering, and reachability.

Related concepts include edge, adjacency, neighbor, path, reachability, and connectivity. Understanding the precise meaning of ConnectedTo relies on the specific formalism (undirected vs directed graphs, direct edge vs transitive closure) used in a given domain.