A unified categorical approach to graphs

Abstract

For a set-endofunctor $F$, we extend the notion of universal $F$-coalgebras to $F$-graphs. These generalized coalgebras are models for various types of graphs, such as (un)directed (hyper)graphs, relational structures or fuzzy graphs. The induced morphisms coincide with graph homomorphisms. From this point of view, graphs are "co-like" structures and share features of universal coalgebras. In this article, we explore the coalgebraic character of graphs and transfer coalgebraic concepts like cofreeness, simulations or Co-Birkhoff theorems to $F$-graphs. Products and cofree constructions for $F$-graphs turn out to be less restrictive than their coalgebraic counterparts.