Pagerank

overview

Summary

PageRank is a link analysis algorithm that assigns importance scores to nodes in a directed graph using the random surfer model. It models a Markov chain where a surfer follows links with probability alpha and teleports with probability 1 - alpha, yielding a unique stationary distribution. Practical computation relies on power iteration over a sparse transition matrix, with care for dangling nodes and convergence criteria. Beyond web search, it applies to citations, social networks, and any graph where link structure signals authority.