twopi

Twopi is a command line tool that is part of the Graphviz software package. It is used for visualizing graphs and networks by generating a two-dimensional representation of the graph layout.

The tool uses the widely-known graph layout algorithm called "twopi," hence its name. This algorithm arranges the nodes of the graph in a two-level hierarchy, which produces a radial layout where nodes are positioned along concentric circles.

Twopi supports various input file formats, including DOT, GML, and GraphML. It reads the graph structure from these files and produces an output file in a graphical format such as PNG, SVG, or PDF.

Users can customize the appearance of the output graph by specifying various attributes like node shape, size, color, border style, and edge style. These attributes can be defined using the DOT language or through command-line options.

The tool offers several layout options, including rotating the graph, specifying the gravity of nodes towards the center, and controlling the spacing between levels and nodes.

Twopi can handle large graphs efficiently, making it suitable for visualizing complex networks or hierarchies. It can automatically adjust the size of nodes and labels to fit the available space.

The output graph can be used for various purposes, such as visualizing organizational charts, software flow diagrams, social networks, and website hierarchies.

Being a command line tool, twopi can be easily integrated into scripts or used in automated workflows. It allows for batch processing multiple graphs or generating graphs dynamically based on data.

Overall, twopi is a versatile and powerful command line tool for generating visually appealing representations of graphs and networks, helping users analyze and understand the underlying structure and relationships.