Force-directed layouts are a type of graph drawing algorithm that positions nodes in a way that visually represents the relationships among them by simulating physical forces. In these layouts, nodes act as charged particles that repel each other, while edges function like springs that attract connected nodes, leading to an aesthetically pleasing arrangement that reflects the structure of the underlying network. This method is especially useful in analyzing online social networks and the digital trace data they produce.
congrats on reading the definition of force-directed layouts. now let's actually learn it.