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Radio source evolution

Baldwin (1982) wrote that \emph{the distribution of sources in the radio luminosity, $P$, overall physical size, $D$, diagram} could be considered as \emph{the radio astronomer's $H-R$ diagram}. However, unlike the case of stars, not only the intrinsic properties of the jets, but also those of the host galaxy and the intergalactic medium are relevant to explain the evolutionary tracks of radio radio sources. In this contribution I review the current status of our understanding of the evolution of radio sources from a theoretical and numerical perspective, using the $P-D$ diagram as a framework. An excess of compact (linear size $\leq 10$~kpc) sources could be explained by low-power jets being decelerated within the host galaxy, as shown by recent numerical simulations. Finally, I discuss the possible tracks that radio sources may follow within this diagram, and the physical processes that can explain the different tracks.