Explore Graphviz: From beginner to proficient

Graphviz is an open source tool for generating graphical representations such as flowcharts. It uses Dot Description Language (DOT) and beginners can start by creating simple flowcharts. Advanced techniques include organizing graphics using subplots and clusters, creating complex shapes, customizing appearances, and exporting to different formats. Through practical examples such as creating database schema diagrams, visualizing data flows, and exploring network topologies, users gain insights into Graphviz to clearly communicate complex information.

Exploring Graphviz: From Beginner to Mastery

Introduction

Graphviz is a Powerful open source software tool for generating graphical representations such as flowcharts, data flow diagrams, and network diagrams. Because it uses Point Description Language (DOT), the learning curve is steep. This article walks you through the basics of Graphviz and helps you master advanced techniques with real-world examples.

Install Graphviz

Install Graphviz on your system:

# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt-get install graphviz

# macOS
brew install graphviz

Getting started

Create from Simple flowchart to start:

digraph 流程图 {
    rankdir=LR;  # 自左向右布局
    A [shape=circle];
    B [shape=box];
    C [shape=diamond];
    
    A -> B;
    B -> C;
}

Save this DOT file as flowchart.dot and convert it to PNG:

dot -Tpng 流程图.dot > 流程图.png

Advanced Technology

Subgraphs and Clusters
Organizing complex shapes:

subgraph 子图1 {
    A -> B;
}

subgraph 子图2 {
    C -> D;
}

Complex shapes
Use built-in complex shapes:

digraph 形状 {
    A [shape=plaintext, label="复杂形状"];
    B [shape=record, label="{<field1> 数据字段1 | <field2> 数据字段2}"];
}

Customize appearance
Adjust the appearance of graphics:

graph [ bgcolor="lightblue", fontcolor="red" ];
node [ fillcolor="yellow", style="filled" ];

Export graphics to various formats
Export graphics to various formats:

dot -Tsvg 流程图.dot > 流程图.svg
dot -Tpdf 流程图.dot > 流程图.pdf

Practical case

Create database architecture diagram

digraph 架构图 {
    rankdir=LR;
    "表1" [shape=box];
    "表2" [shape=box];
    "表3" [shape=box];
    "表1" -> "表2" [label="关联"];
    "表2" -> "表3" [label="引用"];
}

Visual data flow

digraph 数据流 {
    source [shape=oval];
    processor1 [shape=box];
    processor2 [shape=box];
    sink [shape=oval];
    
    source -> processor1;
    processor1 -> processor2;
    processor2 -> sink;
}

Exploring network topology

digraph 网络拓扑 {
    "交换机1" [shape=box];
    "交换机2" [shape=box];
    "路由器1" [shape=oval];
    "主机1" [shape=circle];
    "主机2" [shape=circle];
    
    "交换机1" -- "路由器1" [label="链路 1"];
    "交换机2" -- "路由器1" [label="链路 2"];
    "主机1" -- "交换机1" [label="端口 1"];
    "主机2" -- "交换机2" [label="端口 2"];
}

Through these examples, you will master the basic concepts and advanced techniques of Graphviz. Continue exploring to create powerful graphical representations that communicate complex information clearly and concisely.

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