neato

Neato is a command line tool that is part of the Graphviz software package, primarily used for graph visualization purposes. It is developed by the AT&T Research Labs.

The neato tool takes graph files as input and produces graph layouts as output. It is commonly used to generate 2D layouts of graphs, emphasizing the visualization of the relationships between nodes and edges.

Neato uses the Kamada-Kawai algorithm as its default layout algorithm. This algorithm aims to minimize the total energy of the graph layout by treating edges as springs and nodes as particles, resulting in aesthetically pleasing and well-distributed graph visualizations.

It supports various input formats, including Graphviz's DOT format, as well as common graph file formats like GML, JSON, and more. Neato can read these input files and generate corresponding graph visualizations.

The neato tool offers numerous options to customize the layout, including setting the graph size, adjusting edge weights, tweaking node positions, and controlling the amount of overlap between nodes.

It provides options to output the graph layout in multiple formats, such as SVG, PNG, PDF, and PostScript, allowing users to generate high-quality visual representations for inclusion in reports, presentations, or websites.

Neato can handle both directed and undirected graphs, allowing users to visualize various types of relationships and dependencies. However, it does not support edge routing for curved edges or splines like some other Graphviz tools.

The neato tool is open-source and available for various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It can be integrated into scripts or used directly from the command line, enabling automation and seamless inclusion in existing workflows.

Overall, neato is a versatile and powerful command line tool that provides an efficient and customizable solution for graph visualization needs, allowing users to create clear, intuitive, and visually appealing graph layouts.