Python 2.7 NetworkX (Make it interactive)

Question

I am new to NetworkX. Right now, I manage to connect all the nodes to this particular node. What I want to do next it to make it interactive e.g. able to make each of the node move by dragging using cursor. I know I have to make use of matplotlib, but I am not sure how to use it. Can anyone help me?

My codes are:

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
import networkx as nx
import itertools

d = [name of nodes]
f = [number per nodes]

for i in d:
  G.add_edge('"' + i + '"',b)

pos=nx.fruchterman_reingold_layout(G, k=0.5, iterations=5)

nx.draw_networkx_nodes(G,pos,node_size=130, node_color="white")

nx.draw_networkx_edges(G,pos, width=0.2,alpha=1,edge_color='black')

nx.draw_networkx_labels(G,pos,font_size=7,font_family='sans-serif')

for i,j in itertools.izip(d,f):
    nx.draw_networkx_edge_labels(G,pos, {('"' + i + '"',b):j}, font_size=7, label_pos= 0.80)

plt.axis('off')
plt.show()

Answer 1

It seems hard to do with matplotlib (it is not really been designed for that). Networkx drawing module is pretty poor it mostly uses a custom scatter plot for nodes, etc.

I suggest another solution:

• Export your graph to JSON or GEXF and use a Javascript graph drawing library to make your graph interactive such as: SigmaJs, or VivaGraphJs.

You find an example of a real graph created with NetworkX embedded on a webpage on my blog. Nodes are static in this example but clicking on a node highlights its neighbors.

Official examples for the proposed interactive graph drawing libraries:

• List of examples using sigma.js.

• Tutorial for VivaGraphJs.

Answer 2

Matplotlib was designed more for static graphs and charts.

However once the NetworkX graph is exported to GEXF format there is a tool which will allow you to select areas based on position or critera in order to move it around. The tool is called Gephi. You can play with the layout to get started or go as deep as data scientists like to get.