Conclusion

By now, you should have a good understanding of the fundamentals of using NetworkX for network science. This final chapter focuses on what you can do with that understanding. I will review the themes and techniques presented throughout this book and try to place them into a greater context. Network science is a genuinely exciting field, and I hope this book has managed to convey the excitement of doing network science with NetworkX.

Topics in this chapter include the following:

• The practice of network science: Reviewing the topics covered throughout this book
• Learning more: Where to go next if you'd like to continue learning about networks
• Advances in network science: A sampling of some of the exciting ongoing work in network science
• The impact of network science: Understanding the wide range of applications of network science, and their consequences for society...

The practice of network science

The techniques covered throughout this book have introduced many of the fundamental concepts in network science. Chapter 2, Working with Networks in NetworkX, focused on how those concepts can be applied using NetworkX. Many types of networks have appeared along the way:

• Weighted
• Directed
• Affiliation
• Layered

Understanding the differences between—and the uses of—these networks makes it easier to choose the right network for the right data. The examples throughout this book have demonstrated how to work with a wide range of data and networks.

Chapter 5, The Small Scale – Nodes and Centrality, to Chapter 7, In-Between – Communities, discussed network structure at the large, small, and medium scale. Tools such as centrality measures are best for understanding the role of an individual node within the context of a network...

Learning more

While I have tried to be as broad as possible in introducing the fundamental concepts of network science, I have, no doubt, forgotten many things (including where I put several sets of earbuds). Furthermore, there has been an immense amount of work on each of the topics introduced here. So, if you've made it this far and want more, there is a lot more to learn.

There are many great resources for learning about network science. Some are listed as follows, including books, textbooks, and websites. For a more advanced understanding of network science, I highly recommend studying linear algebra, the type of mathematics used in the formal study of networks:

• Watts, D. J. (2004). Six degrees: The science of a connected age. WW Norton & Company
• Barabasi, A. L. (2003). Linked: How everything is connected to everything else and what it means

• Easley, D., & Kleinberg...

Advances in network science

Networks and network science continue to be an exciting area of ongoing research. Here's a small sampling of some of the interesting work that's going on right now:

• Multiple membership community detection: When nodes can belong to several communities
• Multiple edge types: Working with networks with several distinct edge types
• Collaborations and shocks: How social networks influence collaboration, and how networks change during major events

• Predicting virality: Understanding how and why certain ideas and content spread
• Connectomes: Understanding the brain by studying networks of neurons or brain regions

The impact of network science

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, network science is proving to be a useful tool for understanding those connections. Network science is used regularly to do the following:

• Predict and prevent the spread of contagious diseases
• Evaluate and improve the electric grid, road network, and other infrastructure networks
• Understand the economics of international trade
• Understand the spread of information on social media

The preceding applications might give the impression that network science is an important tool for improving society, and it absolutely can be. However, the powerful techniques of network science also raise important ethical questions. Network techniques can be used to infer information about individuals—such as their political party or sexual orientation—without that individuals consent. Similarly, network...