README for ptSpar

Introduction

ptSpar is a C++ program implementing a Neighborhood-Preserving Graph Sparsification technique. This tool reduces graph sizes while maintaining essential neighborhood information, aiding in various graph analysis tasks.

Requirements

• C++11 compliant compiler (e.g., GCC)
• Boost Program Options Library

Compilation

1. Install Boost Library: Ensure the Boost Program Options library is installed on your system.
2. Compilation Command: Create a build directory and cd into it, and execute the following commands:

    cmake ..

    make 

Usage

• Basic Command Structure:

  ./ptSpar --input [input file] --output_file [output file] [additional options]

• Key Options:
  • --input: Path to the input graph file.
  • --output_file: Path for the output (compressed graph).
  • --directed: Specify if the graph is directed (true/false).
  • --algorithm: Choose the compression algorithm (e.g., Random, LP, SA, Greedy).
  • --depth: Define the depth of the compression.
  • --proportions: Set preserving proportions.

Example

./ptSpar --input myGraph.txt --output_file compressedGraph.txt --directed true --algorithm Random --depth 2 --proportions 0 0.5 0.5