Visualize Vue Module Dependencies

This challenge involves creating a dynamic, interactive module graph visualization for a Vue.js application. Understanding module dependencies is crucial for debugging, optimizing build times, and comprehending the structure of complex applications. You will build a Vue component that takes a representation of your application's modules and their dependencies, and renders it as a force-directed graph.

Problem Description

Your task is to develop a Vue 3 component using TypeScript that visualizes the module dependency graph of a Vue.js application. The component should accept an array of module objects, where each module has a unique ID and a list of IDs of modules it depends on. The visualization should be a force-directed graph, allowing users to interact with the nodes (modules) and see their connections.

Key Requirements:

1. Data Input: The component should accept a prop named modules which is an array of objects. Each object represents a module and should have at least the following structure:

   interface Module {
     id: string;
     dependencies: string[];
   }
   

2. Graph Rendering: Render a force-directed graph where:
   • Each module is represented as a node.
   • Dependencies are represented as directed edges from the dependent module to the module it depends on.
   • Nodes should display their id.
3. Interactivity:
   • Nodes should be draggable.
   • Hovering over a node should highlight it and its direct dependencies/dependents.
   • Clicking on a node could potentially expand/collapse its subgraph (optional, but a good stretch goal).
4. Styling: Provide basic styling for nodes and edges. Nodes should have distinct colors or shapes. Edges should be clearly visible and indicate direction.
5. Technology: Use Vue 3 and TypeScript. You are free to use a JavaScript graphing library (e.g., D3.js, Vis.js, Cytoscape.js) or implement a simplified force-directed layout yourself if you're feeling ambitious.

Expected Behavior:

Given a list of modules and their dependencies, the component should render a visual representation where users can easily identify which modules depend on which others. The graph should be dynamic, allowing for exploration and interaction.

Edge Cases to Consider:

• Circular Dependencies: How will the graph visually represent circular dependencies? (e.g., Module A depends on B, and B depends on A).
• Orphan Modules: Modules with no dependencies and no other modules depending on them.
• Large Graphs: Performance considerations for rendering a graph with many modules.
• Missing Dependencies: If a module lists a dependency that is not present in the modules array.

Examples

Example 1: Simple Dependency Chain

Input:
modules: [
  { id: 'App.vue', dependencies: ['Header.vue', 'Footer.vue'] },
  { id: 'Header.vue', dependencies: ['Logo.vue'] },
  { id: 'Footer.vue', dependencies: [] },
  { id: 'Logo.vue', dependencies: [] }
]

Output:
A force-directed graph where 'App.vue' is connected to 'Header.vue' and 'Footer.vue'.
'Header.vue' is connected to 'Logo.vue'.
'Footer.vue' and 'Logo.vue' have no outgoing dependencies.

Explanation: The output is a visual representation of the input data. Arrows would point from 'App.vue' to 'Header.vue' and 'Footer.vue', and from 'Header.vue' to 'Logo.vue'.

Example 2: Circular Dependency

Input:
modules: [
  { id: 'ModuleA', dependencies: ['ModuleB'] },
  { id: 'ModuleB', dependencies: ['ModuleA'] },
  { id: 'ModuleC', dependencies: ['ModuleA'] }
]

Output:
A force-directed graph where 'ModuleA' and 'ModuleB' are connected to each other (forming a cycle).
'ModuleC' is connected to 'ModuleA'.

Explanation: The graph will visually show a loop between 'ModuleA' and 'ModuleB', indicating their mutual dependency. 'ModuleC' will point to 'ModuleA'.

Example 3: Orphan Module and Missing Dependency

Input:
modules: [
  { id: 'MainComponent', dependencies: ['HelperComponent', 'UnknownComponent'] },
  { id: 'HelperComponent', dependencies: [] },
  { id: 'OrphanComponent', dependencies: [] }
]

Output:
A graph with three nodes: 'MainComponent', 'HelperComponent', and 'OrphanComponent'.
'MainComponent' has an edge to 'HelperComponent'.
'MainComponent' has an edge to 'UnknownComponent' (even though 'UnknownComponent' is not explicitly defined in the input).
'OrphanComponent' is isolated.

Explanation: The visualization should still attempt to draw edges for listed dependencies, even if the target module isn't defined in the input array. 'OrphanComponent' will appear as a standalone node.

Constraints

• The modules array will contain at least one module.
• Module IDs will be unique strings.
• Dependency IDs will be strings.
• The number of modules will not exceed 100 for initial implementation to focus on core functionality.
• The component should be responsive to container resizing if possible.

Notes

• Consider using a dedicated library for graph visualization to simplify implementation. Libraries like vue-d3-network, vue-force-graph, or even integrating D3.js directly can be excellent choices.
• Think about how to map your module data structure to the format expected by your chosen graphing library.
• Pay attention to the performance implications of rendering large graphs. Techniques like canvas rendering or simplifying the force simulation might be necessary for very large datasets.
• The exact visual representation (node shapes, colors, link styles) is flexible, but clarity and readability are paramount.