🗺️ How do you understand a Python project’s architecture without reading thousands of lines?
Pyreverse automatically generates UML class diagrams and package dependency graphs by analyzing source code. It has been integrated into Pylint since version 0.15 (2008) and remains a highly relevant tool today.
🔧 Basic usage:
# Generate package and class diagrams in PNG
pyreverse -o png -p MyProject src/
# Output:
# packages_MyProject.png → dependencies between modules
# classes_MyProject.png → class hierarchy📐 What each diagram includes:
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Attributes | With type if it can be inferred |
| Methods | All class methods |
| Inheritance | Links between parent-child classes |
| Associations | Relationships between instances |
| Exceptions | Represented as classes |
⚙️ Useful options:
-k # Classes only (no attributes/methods) — ideal for high-level view
-f ALL # Show ALL attributes and methods (including private)
-A -S # Expand all ancestors and associated classes
-m n # Hide module name in nodes💡 Tip for large projects:
# Quick dependency overview without getting lost in details
pyreverse -ASmy -k -o png src/ -p Overview🔍 Explanation in a nutshell
A UML diagram is like a map of your code: it shows what classes exist, what attributes and methods they have, and how they relate to each other. Pyreverse reads your Python code and generates that map automatically — no manual drawing required. It’s like having always up-to-date visual documentation.
More information at the link 👇
Also published on LinkedIn.
