NLP and Network Synergy

In the previous chapters, we discussed natural language processing (NLP), network analysis, and the tools used in the Python programming language for both. We also discussed non-programmatic tools for doing network analysis.

In this chapter, we are going to put all of that knowledge to work. I hope to explain the power and insights that can be unveiled by combining NLP and network analysis, which is the theme of this book. In later chapters, we will continue with this theme, but we’ll also discuss other tools for working with NLP and networks, such as unsupervised and supervised machine learning. This chapter will demonstrate techniques for determining who or what a piece of text is talking about.

The following topics will be covered in this chapter:

• Why are we learning about NLP in a network book?
• Asking questions to tell a story
• Introducing web scraping
• Choosing between libraries, APIs, and source data
• Using the Natural...