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networkx.algorithms.core.k_core

k_core(G, k=None, core_number=None)[source]

Returns the k-core of G.

A k-core is a maximal subgraph that contains nodes of degree k or more.

Parameters:
  • G (NetworkX graph) – A graph or directed graph
  • k (int, optional) – The order of the core. If not specified return the main core.
  • core_number (dictionary, optional) – Precomputed core numbers for the graph G.
Returns:

G – The k-core subgraph

Return type:

NetworkX graph

Raises:

NetworkXError – The k-core is not defined for graphs with self loops or parallel edges.

Notes

The main core is the core with the largest degree.

Not implemented for graphs with parallel edges or self loops.

For directed graphs the node degree is defined to be the in-degree + out-degree.

Graph, node, and edge attributes are copied to the subgraph.

See also

core_number()

References

[1]An O(m) Algorithm for Cores Decomposition of Networks Vladimir Batagelj and Matjaz Zaversnik, 2003. https://arxiv.org/abs/cs.DS/0310049