This repository presents the HiPart package, an open-source native python library that provides efficient and interpretable implementations of divisive hierarchical clustering algorithms. HiPart supports interactive visualizations for the manipulation of the execution steps allowing the direct intervention of the clustering outcome. This package is highly suited for Big Data applications as the focus has been given to the computational efficiency of the implemented clustering methodologies. The dependencies used are either Python build-in packages or highly maintained stable external packages. The software is provided under the MIT license.

For the installation of the package, the only necessary actions and requirements are a version of Python higher or equal to 3.8 and the execution of the following command.

pip install HiPart

The example bellow is the simplest form of the package's execution. Shortly, it shows the creation of synthetic clustering dataset containing 6 clusters. Afterwards it is clustered with the DePDDP algorithm and only the cluster labels are returned.

from HiPart.clustering import DePDDP
from sklearn.datasets import make_blobs

X, y = make_blobs(n_samples=1500, centers=6, random_state=0)

clustered_class = DePDDP(max_clusters_number=6).fit_predict(X)

The HiPart package offers a comprehensive suite of examples to guide users in utilizing its various algorithms. These examples are conveniently located in the repository's examples directory.

For a general understanding of the package's capabilities, users can refer to the clustering_example file. This file serves as a foundational guide, providing complete examples of the package's algorithms in action.

Additionally, for those interested in incorporating KernelPCA methods, the clustering_with_kpca_example file is an invaluable resource. It offers a detailed example of how to apply KernelPCA within the context of the HiPart package.

Recognizing the importance of clustering via similarity or dissimilarity matrices, such as distance matrices, the HiPart package includes the clustering_with_distance_matrix_example file. This specific example demonstrates the use of the DePDDP algorithm with a distance matrix, offering a practical application scenario.

Lastly, the package features an interactive visualization component, which is exemplified in the interactive_visualization_example file. This example not only showcases the execution of the interactive visualization but also provides comprehensive instructions for navigating the visualization GUI.

These resources collectively ensure that users of the HiPart package have a well-rounded and practical understanding of its functionalities and applications.

The full documentation of the package can be found here.

@article{Anagnostou2023HiPart,
  title = {HiPart: Hierarchical Divisive Clustering Toolbox},
  author = {Panagiotis Anagnostou and Sotiris Tasoulis and Vassilis P. Plagianakos and Dimitris Tasoulis},
  year = {2023},
  journal = {Journal of Open Source Software},
  publisher = {The Open Journal},
  volume = {8},
  number = {84},
  pages = {5024},
  doi = {10.21105/joss.05024},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.21105/joss.05024}
} 

This project has received funding from the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (HFRI), under grant agreement No 1901.

Dimitris Tasoulis 📧 Panagiotis Anagnostou 📧 Sotiris Tasoulis 📧 Vassilis Plagianakos 📧