Visualizing CMake Dependencies with Graphviz in VS Code

CMake Graphviz Dependency Graph:

1. Generate the dependency graph

Run this inside our build directory:

cmake --graphviz=dependency.dot 

This creates:

• dependency.dot: the actual graph
• dep.* files: internal fragments (safe to delete anytime)

2. Install Graphviz (the rendering engine)

We need this in WSL:

sudo apt install graphviz

This provides the dot command that VS Code uses to render the graph.

3. Install Graphviz Preview extension (the viewer)

In VS Code:

1. Press Ctrl+Shift+X
2. Search: Graphviz Preview
3. Click Install in WSL: Ubuntu

This registers the preview command inside WSL.

4. Open the .dot file in VS Code

Just open:

dependency.dot

5. Render the graph

Press:

Ctrl+Shift+P

Type:

Graphviz: Show Preview

Select it -> our.dot file renders as a graph.

⭐ That’s the entire working pipeline

• Generate DOT
• Install Graphviz
• Install Graphviz Preview
• Open DOT
• Run Graphviz Preview