EasyGraph: A multifunctional, cross-platform, and effective library for interdisciplinary network analysis

Patterns (N Y). 2023 Sep 5;4(10):100839. doi: 10.1016/j.patter.2023.100839. eCollection 2023 Oct 13.

Abstract

Networks are powerful tools for representing the relationships and interactions between entities in various disciplines. However, existing network analysis tools and packages either lack powerful functionality or are not scalable for large networks. In this descriptor, we present EasyGraph, an open-source network analysis library that supports several network data formats and powerful network mining algorithms. EasyGraph provides excellent operating efficiency through a hybrid Python/C++ implementation and multiprocessing optimization. It is applicable to various disciplines and can handle large-scale networks. We demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of EasyGraph by applying crucial metrics and algorithms to random and real-world networks in domains such as physics, chemistry, and biology. The results demonstrate that EasyGraph improves the network analysis efficiency for users and reduces the difficulty of conducting large-scale network analysis. Overall, it is a comprehensive and efficient open-source tool for interdisciplinary network analysis.

Keywords: hybrid Python/C++ programming; interdisciplinary network analysis; multiprocessing optimization; structural hole theory.