# How-To: Importing & Exporting Graphs

```elixir
Mix.install([
  {:yog_ex, path: "/home/mafinar/repos/elixir/yog_ex"},
  {:jason, "~> 1.4"} # Needed for JSON
])
```

## Introduction

`Yog` is designed to be a "good citizen" in the data ecosystem. It supports several industry-standard formats for importing and exporting graphs, ensuring that you can easily integrate `Yog` with other tools like Gephi, Cytoscape, or NetworkX.

## 📁 GraphML (The Standard)

GraphML is an XML-based format that is the de-facto standard for graph interchange.

```elixir
g = Yog.Generator.Classic.petersen()

# 1. Export to GraphML string
{:ok, xml} = Yog.IO.GraphML.to_graphml(g)
IO.puts String.slice(xml, 0, 200) <> "..."

# 2. Import from GraphML string
# {:ok, imported_g} = Yog.IO.GraphML.from_graphml(xml)
```

## 📄 JSON (For Web & Data)

JSON is perfect for passing graph data to frontend libraries like Cytoscape.js or D3.js.

```elixir
g = Yog.undirected()
  |> Yog.add_node(1, %{name: "Alice"})
  |> Yog.add_node(2, %{name: "Bob"})
  |> Yog.add_edge!(1, 2, %{type: "friend"})

# 1. Export to JSON (uses Jason internally)
{:ok, json} = Yog.IO.JSON.to_json(g)
IO.puts json

# 2. Import from JSON
{:ok, imported_g} = Yog.IO.JSON.from_json(json)
```

## 🛠️ Interoperability with `libgraph`

If you are migrating from `libgraph` or need to use an algorithm only available there, `Yog` makes the transition seamless.

```elixir
# Create a libgraph graph
lg = Graph.new() |> Graph.add_edge(1, 2)

# Convert to Yog
yg = Yog.IO.Libgraph.from_libgraph(lg)

# Convert back to libgraph
lg_back = Yog.IO.Libgraph.to_libgraph(yg)
```

## 🖼️ DOT (For Visualization)

While DOT is primarily for visualization, it is also a valid interchange format.

```elixir
g = Yog.Generator.Classic.cycle(5)

dot = Yog.Render.DOT.to_dot(g)
IO.puts dot
```

## Summary

`Yog`'s I/O suite allows you to:
1.  **Collaborate**: Use **GraphML** to share data with researchers using other languages.
2.  **Build**: Use **JSON** to power interactive web visualizations.
3.  **Migrate**: Use the **libgraph** bridge to leverage existing Elixir codebases.
4.  **Publish**: Use **DOT** to generate high-quality diagrams.

Next, explore the **Gallery** to see more exotic graph structures!