# Affinity Propagation

> Source: https://sukruyusufkaya.com/en/glossary/affinity-propagation
> Updated: 2026-05-13T20:56:40.959Z
> Type: glossary
> Category: makine-ogrenmesi
**TLDR:** A clustering algorithm that forms clusters through message passing around representative exemplars.

<p>Affinity Propagation does not require preset cluster centers; instead, it selects representative exemplars through a message-passing process among data points. This allows the number of clusters to emerge from the data structure itself. It is especially useful when one wants actual examples to serve as cluster representatives. However, similarity-matrix cost and sensitivity to the preference parameter strongly influence its behavior.</p>