Analysis and Comparison of Three Algorithms for the Vertex Cover Problem on Large Graphs with Low Memory Capacities

In this paper, we consider the classical NP-complete VERTEX COVER problem in large graphs. We assume that the size and the access to the input graph impose the following constraints: (1) the input graph must not be modified (integrity of the input instance), (2) the computer running the algorithm has a memory of limited size (compared to the graph) and (3) the result must be sent to an output memory once a new piece of solution is calculated. Despite the severe constraints of the model, we propose three algorithms that satisfy them. We derive exact formulas giving the expected size of the solution they return. This allows us to compare them, in an analytic way. Then, we consider their complexities. We give exact formulas expressing the expected number of requests they perform on the input graph. Again, we compare them analytically. For both comparisons, we show that none of them is better than the two others.