R igraph manual pages

Use this if you are using igraph from R

Random graphs from vertex fitness scores


This function generates a non-growing random graph with edge probabilities proportional to node fitness scores.


  fitness.in = NULL,
  loops = FALSE,
  multiple = FALSE



The number of edges in the generated graph.


A numeric vector containing the fitness of each vertex. For directed graphs, this specifies the out-fitness of each vertex.


If NULL (the default), the generated graph will be undirected. If not NULL, then it should be a numeric vector and it specifies the in-fitness of each vertex.

If this argument is not NULL, then a directed graph is generated, otherwise an undirected one.


Logical scalar, whether to allow loop edges in the graph.


Logical scalar, whether to allow multiple edges in the graph.


This game generates a directed or undirected random graph where the probability of an edge between vertices i and j depends on the fitness scores of the two vertices involved. For undirected graphs, each vertex has a single fitness score. For directed graphs, each vertex has an out- and an in-fitness, and the probability of an edge from i to j depends on the out-fitness of vertex i and the in-fitness of vertex j.

The generation process goes as follows. We start from N disconnected nodes (where N is given by the length of the fitness vector). Then we randomly select two vertices i and j, with probabilities proportional to their fitnesses. (When the generated graph is directed, i is selected according to the out-fitnesses and j is selected according to the in-fitnesses). If the vertices are not connected yet (or if multiple edges are allowed), we connect them; otherwise we select a new pair. This is repeated until the desired number of links are created.

It can be shown that the expected degree of each vertex will be proportional to its fitness, although the actual, observed degree will not be. If you need to generate a graph with an exact degree sequence, consider sample_degseq instead.

This model is commonly used to generate static scale-free networks. To achieve this, you have to draw the fitness scores from the desired power-law distribution. Alternatively, you may use sample_fitness_pl which generates the fitnesses for you with a given exponent.


An igraph graph, directed or undirected.


Tamas Nepusz ntamas@gmail.com


Goh K-I, Kahng B, Kim D: Universal behaviour of load distribution in scale-free networks. Phys Rev Lett 87(27):278701, 2001.


N <- 10000
g <- sample_fitness(5*N, sample((1:50)^-2, N, replace=TRUE))
## Not run: plot(degree_distribution(g, cumulative=TRUE), log="xy")

[Package igraph version 1.3.0 Index]