What is edges?

Edges are the boundaries or lines that define the shape and form of an object. They are critical components of images, shapes, and structures in various fields, including computer graphics, mathematics, physics, and engineering.

Edges are often characterized by differences in color, texture, intensity, or orientation. They can be classified into three main types:

1. Gradient or intensity edges: where there is a change in intensity across the edge boundary.
2. Texture edges: where there is a change in texture across the boundary.
3. Structural edges: where there is a change in structure, such as a change in the direction of the edge boundary.

Edges are used widely in many applications such as image processing and computer vision, where they are used to enhance and extract important features and information from images, such as object detection, segmentation, and tracking. In physics, edges are used to study the behavior of materials and particles at microscopic scales, while in engineering, they are used to design and optimize structures for various purposes, including load bearing, strength, and durability.