What Does Sparse Matrix Mean?
A sparse matrix is a matrix in which many or most of the elements have a value of zero. This is in contrast to a dense matrix, where many or most of the elements have a non-zero value. Sparse matrices are used in specific ways in computer science, and have different data analysis and storage protocols and techniques related to their use.
Techopedia Explains Sparse Matrix
Having a matrix with a wide range of zero elements is different than having a matrix with a range of full values. One of the biggest differences is that storing the entire sparse matrix in a digital format is seen as “wasting” computer memory. The lossless compression or truncated storage of a sparse matrix is a common consideration in computer science.
