##### https://github.com/cran/statnet
Tip revision: c7a88e2
statnet-package.Rd
\name{statnet-package}
\alias{statnet-package}
\alias{statnet}
\docType{package}
\title{
A Suite of Packages for the Statistical Modeling of Network Data
}
\description{
\pkg{statnet} is a collection of software packages for statistical network
analysis that are designed to work together, and provide seamless access to
a broad range of network analytic and graphical methodology.
The packages implement recent advances in network modeling based on
exponential-family random graph models (ERGM), as well as latent space
models and more traditional network methods. Together, the packages
provide a comprehensive framework for ERGM-based cross-sectional and
dynamic network modeling: tools for
model estimation, model evaluation, model-based network simulation, and
network visualization.  The statistical estimation and simulation functions
are based on a central Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm.
The coding is optimized for speed and robustness.

The code is actively developed and maintained by the statnet development team.
New functionality is being added over time.
}

\details{
\pkg{statnet} packages are written in a combination of \R and
\code{C} It is usually used interactively from within the \R graphical
user interface via a command line. it can also be used in
non-interactive (or batch'') mode to allow longer or multiple tasks
to be processed without user interaction.  The suite of packages are
available on the Comprehensive \R Archive Network (CRAN) at
\url{http://www.r-project.org/} and also on the \pkg{statnet} project
website at \url{http://statnet.org/}

The \pkg{statnet} suite of packages has the following components:

For data handling:

\itemize{

\item \pkg{network} is a package to create, store, modify and plot
the data in network objects.  The \code{\link[network]{network}}
object class, defined in the \pkg{network} package, can represent a
range of relational data types and it supports arbitrary vertex /
edge /graph attributes. Data stored as
\code{\link[network]{network}} objects can then be analyzed using
all of the component packages in the \pkg{statnet} suite. (automatically

\item \pkg{networkDynamic} extends \pkg{network} with functionality
}

For analyzing cross-sectional networks:

\itemize{

\item \pkg{ergm} is a collection of functions to fit, simulate from,
plot and evaluate exponential random graph models. The main
functions within the \pkg{ergm} package are
\code{\link[ergm]{ergm}}, a function to fit linear exponential
random graph models in which the probability of a graph is dependent
upon a vector of graph statistics specified by the user;
\code{simulate}, a function to simulate random graphs using an ERGM;
and \code{\link[ergm]{gof}}, a function to evaluate the goodness of
fit of an ERGM to the data. \pkg{ergm} contains many other functions
as well.

\item \pkg{ergm.count} is an extension to \pkg{ergm} enabling it to
fit models for networks whose relations are counts.

\item \pkg{latentnet} is a package to fit and evaluate latent position
and cluster models for statistical networks The probability of a tie
is expressed as a function of distances between these nodes in a
latent space as well as functions of observed dyadic level
covariates.

\item \pkg{sna} is a set of tools for traditional social network
analysis.

\item \pkg{degreenet} is a package for the statistical modeling of
degree distributions of networks. It includes power-law models such
as the Yule and Waring, as well as a range of alternative models
that have been proposed in the literature.
}

For temporal (dynamic) network analysis:

\itemize{

\item \pkg{tergm} is a collection of extentions to \pkg{ergm}
enabling it to fit discrete time models for temporal (dynamic) networks.
The main function
in \pkg{tergm} is \code{stergm} (the s'' stands for separable),
which allows the user to specify one ergm for tie formation, and another ergm
for tie dissolution.  The models can be fit to network panel data, or to a single
cross-sectional network with ancillary data on tie duration.

\item \pkg{tsna} is a collection of extensions to \pkg{sna} that provide descriptive
summary statistics for temporal networks.

\item \pkg{relevent} is a package providing tools to fit relational
event models.
}

\itemize{

\item \pkg{ergm.userterms} provides a template for users who want to
implement their own new ERGM terms.

\item \pkg{networksis} is a package to simulate bipartite graphs
with fixed marginals through sequential importance sampling.

\item \pkg{EpiModel} is a package for simulating epidemics

}

\pkg{statnet} is a metapackage; its only purpose is to provide a convenient
way for a user to load all of the packages in the statnet suite.  It does this by
package into \R automatically loads all packages above that are labeled
all of the packages above that are labeled "optional download".  Those can, of
course, also be installed individually.

Each package in \pkg{statnet} has associated help files and internal
documentation, and additional the information can be found on the Statnet
Project website (\url{http://statnet.org/}).  Tutorials, instructions
on how to join the statnet help
mailing list, references and links to further resources are provided
there.  For the reference paper(s) that provide information on the theory and
methodology behind each specific package

We have invested much time and effort in creating the
\code{statnet} suite of packages and supporting material
so that others can use and build on these tools.
All we ask in return is that you cite it when you use it.
For publication of results obtained from \pkg{statnet}, the original
authors are to be cited as described in \code{citation("statnet")}.
If you are only using specific
package(s) from the suite, please cite the specific
package(s) as described in the appropriate
\code{citation("packgename")}.  Thank you!

}

\author{
Mark S. Handcock \email{handcock@stat.ucla.edu},\cr
David R. Hunter \email{dhunter@stat.psu.edu},\cr
Carter T. Butts \email{buttsc@uci.edu},\cr
Steven M. Goodreau \email{goodreau@uw.edu},\cr
Pavel N. Krivitsky \email{pavel@uow.edu.au},
Skye Bender-deMoll \email{skyebend@skyeome.net} and \cr
Samuel Jenness (for EpiModel) \email{sjenness@uw.edu}
Martina Morris \email{morrism@uw.edu}

Maintainer: Martina Morris \email{morris@uw.edu}
}