# MapEquation

> MapEquation is the home of the map equation framework and Infomap, software for flow-based community detection in complex networks.

MapEquation explains how flow-based community detection works and provides Infomap software, installation instructions, input and output formats, publications, and an online workbench.

Important notes:

- Use "Infomap" for the software implementation.
- Use "map equation" for the theoretical framework.
- Infomap supports directed, weighted, multilayer, bipartite, and memory networks.
- The online workbench runs in the browser.
- For citation questions, prefer the Publications page.

## Core pages

- [Infomap overview](https://www.mapequation.org/infomap/): What Infomap is and when to use it.
- [Install Infomap](https://www.mapequation.org/infomap/install/): Python, R, CLI, Docker, Homebrew, binaries, TypeScript, and source installation.
- [Input and output formats](https://www.mapequation.org/infomap/formats/): Link lists, state networks, multilayer networks, trees, and clustering outputs.
- [How the map equation works](https://www.mapequation.org/infomap/how-it-works/): Explanation of flow, compression, modules, and the search algorithm.
- [Publications and citations](https://www.mapequation.org/publications/): Recommended citations, BibTeX, and method papers.
- [Online workbench](https://www.mapequation.org/infomap/workbench/): Browser-based Infomap runner.
- [Apps and notebooks](https://www.mapequation.org/apps/): Visualization tools, notebooks, and companion methods.