igraph/igraph
FreeLibrary for the analysis of networks
FreeFree tier
About igraph/igraph
igraph is an open-source C library for complex network analysis and graph theory, with emphasis on efficiency, portability and ease of use. It provides a rich set of graph-theoretic algorithms for creating, manipulating, and analyzing networks. igraph can be used from multiple programming languages through dedicated interfaces for R, Python, and Mathematica. The project is actively maintained, with extensive documentation available at igraph.org, and is widely used in scientific research for tasks such as community detection, centrality analysis, and graph visualization.
Key Features
Complex network analysis and graph theory algorithms
Efficient, portable C library with emphasis on performance
Interfaces for R, Python, and Mathematica
Graph creation, manipulation, and analysis
Community detection, centrality, path finding, and more
Well-documented with tutorials and reference manual at igraph.org
Open-source under GPL-2.0 license
Long-standing project with over 13,000 commits and active development
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free and open-source with permissive licensing
- High-performance C implementation suitable for large networks
- Multi-language support via Python, R, and Mathematica interfaces
- Comprehensive and well-maintained documentation
- Proven in academic research with a canonical citation
- Active community and regular releases
Cons
- Direct use requires C programming knowledge
- Python and R interfaces may lag behind the C core in features
- No built-in visualization; relies on external libraries or tools
Best For
Scientific research in complex networks and graph theorySocial network analysisBiological and ecological network analysisGraph theory education and algorithm developmentNetwork data exploration and visualization preprocessingCommunity detection and network comparison
FAQ
What is igraph?
igraph is a C library for complex network analysis and graph theory, designed for efficiency, portability, and ease of use. It can be used from R, Python, and Mathematica.
Which programming languages does igraph support?
igraph provides interfaces for R (rigraph), Python (python-igraph), and Mathematica (IGraphM). It is written in C and can be used directly from C or C++.
How do I cite igraph in my research?
Please cite: Csardi, G., Nepusz, T. (2006). The igraph software package for complex network research. InterJournal, Complex Systems, 1695.
Is igraph free to use?
Yes, igraph is open-source and distributed under the GPL-2.0 license.
Where can I find installation instructions and documentation?
Full installation instructions and documentation are available at https://igraph.org.