This chapter covers:
- An introduction to graphs
- An introduction to network science
- An introduction to graph analytics
- Network analysis workflow
Chapter 1 from Graph Data Science by Tomaz Bratanic
Networks are everywhere, and they do matter. First of all, where are these networks? They are your communication networks. For example, the internet consists of routers that send your messages across the globe. Another example are the social media platforms. You use those platforms to connect with other users. Most of your connections are local, spanning from your family and friends to coworkers. And then you all have some connections from distant friends that can span oceans and continents. When you map all those connections, what you end up with is referred to as a social network.
Figure 1.1 World-wide social network
Maybe most importantly, your biological existence depends on networks. Proteins are called the building blocks of the body. They form the machinery that helps sustain life. Proteins rarely act alone as their functions tend to be regulated. The identification of protein interactions can lead to a better understanding of diseases and the development of drugs and treatments. The process of mapping those interactions results in protein-protein interaction networks, also known as PPI.
Figure 1.2 Protein-protein interaction network
