Outdegree vs. Indegree: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 29, 2023
Outdegree refers to the number of edges directed away from a vertex in a directed graph, while indegree refers to the number of edges directed toward that vertex.
Key Differences
Outdegree is a term specifically related to directed graphs, denoting the number of edges that go outward from a given vertex. Indegree, on the other hand, refers to the number of edges that are directed inward toward a particular vertex. Both are fundamental concepts in graph theory, a field of mathematics.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
In many practical applications, such as network analysis or social network modeling, outdegree can signify influence or the ability to distribute information. Indegree may represent how much information or influence is received by a node. Thus, in a social media context, a user with a high outdegree might be seen as influential, while a user with high indegree might be considered popular.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Outdegree and indegree are quantitative measures, usually expressed as integers. These integers represent the count of outgoing and incoming edges, respectively. While outdegree helps to understand the distribution capacity of a node, indegree helps to comprehend its receiving capacity.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Finally, it's worth mentioning that in undirected graphs, the concepts of outdegree and indegree are usually not applicable. In such graphs, we generally talk about the "degree" of a vertex, which is the number of edges connected to it. Outdegree and indegree are more relevant in the context of directed graphs where the direction of the edge matters.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 18, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Outdegree and Indegree Definitions
Outdegree
Measure of distribution potential in network analysis
A node with a high outdegree can disseminate information quickly.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
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Indegree
Numerical value representing incoming connections
The indegree of the central node was remarkably high.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Outdegree
Outflow indicator in a directed graph
The outdegree can signify the outflow of resources.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Indegree
Measure of receiving potential in network analysis
A high indegree suggests that the node receives a lot of information.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Outdegree
Graph-theoretical term for outgoing edges
Outdegree is crucial in algorithms that traverse directed graphs.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Indegree
Count of edges directed toward a vertex in a directed graph
The indegree of vertex B is 2.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
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Outdegree
Count of edges leaving a vertex in a directed graph
The outdegree of vertex A is 3.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Indegree
Inflow indicator in a directed graph
The indegree can signify the inflow of resources.
Harlon Moss
Sep 18, 2023
Outdegree
Numerical value representing outward connections
The outdegree of the central node was surprisingly low.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Indegree
Graph-theoretical term for incoming edges
Indegree is important in algorithms that rely on the incoming connections of a node.
Janet White
Sep 18, 2023
Outdegree
(graph theory) The number of edges directed out of a vertex in a directed graph.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
Indegree
(graph theory) The number of edges directed into a vertex in a directed graph
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 30, 2023
FAQs
What does a high indegree signify?
A high indegree typically indicates a strong receiving capacity for that vertex.
Sara Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
What is indegree?
Indegree refers to the number of edges directed toward a vertex in a directed graph.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Can a vertex have zero indegree?
Yes, a vertex can have zero indegree if no edges come into it.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 18, 2023
What does a high outdegree signify?
A high outdegree usually indicates a strong distributing capacity for that vertex.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 18, 2023
What does indegree measure in network analysis?
Indegree can measure a node's potential to receive information or influence in network analysis.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Is it possible for a vertex to have the same outdegree and indegree?
Yes, it's possible for a vertex to have the same outdegree and indegree.
Janet White
Sep 18, 2023
How are outdegree and indegree represented?
Both are usually represented as integers.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Can a vertex have zero outdegree?
Yes, a vertex can have zero outdegree if no edges go out from it.
Sara Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
In what fields are outdegree and indegree commonly used?
They are commonly used in graph theory, computer science, network analysis, and social network modeling.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Do outdegree and indegree have to be positive?
No, they can also be zero if a vertex has no outgoing or incoming edges, respectively.
Sara Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
What is outdegree?
Outdegree refers to the number of edges directed away from a vertex in a directed graph.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Are outdegree and indegree applicable in undirected graphs?
No, these terms are generally only relevant in directed graphs.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
What does outdegree measure in network analysis?
In network analysis, outdegree can measure a node's potential to distribute information or influence.
Sara Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
Are outdegree and indegree always whole numbers?
Generally, yes, they are integers because they count the number of edges.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Can outdegree and indegree be used in weighted graphs?
Yes, but they still count the number of edges, not the sum of the weights of those edges.
Sara Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
