.. index:: Utility Node

.. _Utility_Node:

Utility Node
============

A utility node represents an additive contribution to the utility function in a (:ref:`limited-memory) influence diagram<About_Limited_Memory_Influence_Diagram>`. Thus, the utility function is the sum of all the utility nodes in the influence diagram. 

Each utility function has assigned a :ref:`utility table<utility_table>` which specifies the utility of each configuration of the parents of the utility node (in an influence diagram, a :ref:`link<link_label>` from a :ref:`decision node<decision_node>` or a :ref:`discrete chance node<discrete_chance_node>` represents the decision node/chance node to contribute directly to the utility function). 

A utility node can be added to the current network (which will then be an influence diagram) by activating the :ref:`Utility Tool<utility_tool>` and clicking somewhere in the :ref:`Network Pane<network_pane>`. 