Draw Graph using Graphviz ¶

First Graph Set up

1. Download graphviz from here:

http://www.graphviz.org/Download..php

(for Mac, use this link: http://www.graphviz.org/Download_macos.php)

2. create a file named "sample.dot", using any text editor:

Jenny:~/temp/20100722$cat test.dot
digraph g {
node [shape=box]
A1 -> B1
A1 -> B2
A1 -> B3
}


3. convert the dot file into png

Jenny:~/temp/20100722$dot -Tpng test.dot > out.png

Jenny:~/temp/20100722$open out.png


4. check the png to see the diagram (attached)

Principles of Flow Chart Diagram

* Always draw the first draft using PENCIL and PAPER

* NO need to give all details,

* Draw out the main flow only

* As far as other could understand it, it's enough (it's for communication, not for display)

* Use box and arrow lines mainly. If a flow is removed in later phase, use dotted lines.

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DOT_language

http://www.graphviz.org/Documentation.php

http://www.orient-lodge.com/node/3408

http://www.graphviz.org/doc/schema/attributes.xml