What does "Clustering Coefficient" mean?
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The clustering coefficient is a measure used to understand how connected the nodes in a network are. It helps us see how tightly knit a group of connections is within a larger network.
Local vs. Global Clustering Coefficient
There are two ways to calculate the clustering coefficient:
Local Clustering Coefficient: This looks at a specific node and measures how many of its neighbors are also connected to each other. A high value means that friends of a node are also friends with each other.
Global Clustering Coefficient: This gives us an overall view of the entire network. There are two ways to calculate it, but both aim to highlight the general connectivity in the network.
Importance of Clustering Coefficient
The clustering coefficient can tell us a lot about the structure of networks, from social networks to biological systems. A high clustering coefficient can indicate a strong community feel, while a low one suggests that nodes are more loosely connected. Understanding these patterns helps us analyze how information flows or how relationships are formed in various networks.