yEd - chunhualiao/public-docs GitHub Wiki

GraphML

Layout

The graphs are openned with default layout, that may not be idea

  • for call graphs:
    • menu Layout -> Tree -> Directed
    • layout -> Hierarchical

yEd Graph Editor Overview

yEd is a powerful and versatile graph editor developed by yWorks, a German software company specializing in graph visualization and layout technologies. It is widely used for creating, editing, and visualizing diagrams, flowcharts, network graphs, and other graph-based structures.

The exact meaning of "yEd" is not explicitly stated by its developers, yWorks. However, it is widely believed that the "y" in yEd comes from the company's name, yWorks, and "Ed" likely stands for Editor, as yEd is a graph editor.

So, while it is not officially defined, yEd can be interpreted as "yWorks Editor."

Key Features of yEd

  1. Graph Creation:

    • Allows users to manually create graphs or import data from various formats (e.g., GraphML, Excel, XML, etc.).
    • Supports both directed and undirected graphs.

  2. Automatic Layouts:

    • Offers a variety of automatic layout algorithms (e.g., hierarchical, circular, organic, tree, etc.) to organize graphs efficiently.

  3. Visualization:

    • Provides rich options for customizing node and edge styles, colors, labels, and shapes.
    • Supports advanced visualizations for complex graphs.

  4. Import and Export:

    • Supports multiple file formats such as GraphML, SVG, PDF, PNG, and more.
    • Interoperable with other graph tools like Gephi and Cytoscape.

  5. Ease of Use:

    • User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality.
    • Suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

  6. Cross-Platform:

    • Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Who Develops yEd?

yEd is developed by yWorks, a company based in Tübingen, Germany. yWorks specializes in graph visualization software and provides tools for developers and end-users to create and analyze graph-based data.

License

yEd is freeware. It is free to download and use for personal and commercial purposes. However:

  • The software itself is proprietary, meaning its source code is not open to the public.
  • Redistribution of yEd is subject to the terms of its End User License Agreement (EULA).

Is yEd Good for Security Environments?

yEd can be used in security environments, but there are some considerations:

Advantages:

  1. Offline Usage:

    • yEd does not require an internet connection to function, making it suitable for environments where network security is a concern.

  2. No Data Collection:

    • As a standalone application, yEd does not send data to external servers unless explicitly configured (e.g., exporting to cloud services).

  3. File Formats:

    • Supports standard formats like GraphML and SVG, which are widely recognized and can be validated for security.

  4. Cross-Platform:

    • Can be installed on secure systems with strict OS requirements (e.g., Linux).

Potential Concerns:

  1. Proprietary Software:

    • Since yEd is not open source, its internal workings cannot be audited for vulnerabilities or backdoors. This might be a concern for highly sensitive environments.

  2. Updates:

    • Updates are provided by yWorks, and you need to trust the company to deliver secure and reliable updates.

  3. Third-Party Dependencies:

    • While yEd itself is secure, its compatibility with external file formats (e.g., importing Excel or XML files) may introduce risks if the input data is maliciously crafted.

Recommendations for Secure Environments:

  • Use yEd in offline mode to avoid potential network-based risks.
  • Validate all imported files to ensure they are safe and free from malicious content.
  • Regularly update the software to ensure you are using the latest, most secure version.

Conclusion

yEd is a powerful and free graph editor suitable for a wide range of applications, including security environments, as long as proper precautions are taken. While it is not open source, its offline capabilities and support for standard file formats make it a good choice for secure workflows. If your security environment requires open-source software for auditability, you might consider alternatives like Gephi or Cytoscape.

Let me know if you'd like to explore alternatives or dive deeper into any aspect! 😊