bio-data-visualization-network-visualization
Visualize biological networks (PPI, gene-regulatory, co-expression, pathway) with layout algorithm choice (ForceAtlas2, Fruchterman-Reingold, Kamada-Kawai, hive plots), edge bundling, community-based coloring, and reproducible seeds using NetworkX, PyVis, igraph, and Cytoscape automation. Use when rendering biological networks for static publication, interactive HTML exploration, or Cytoscape-format export.
npx skills add BioTender-max/awesome-bio-agent-skills --skill network-visualization --agent claude-code
Same command for any agent — swap --agent for codex, cursor, copilot.
Weekly change comes from our own snapshots, not the repository page — it measures attention, not adoption.
## Version Compatibility Reference examples tested with: networkx 3.2+, igraph 0.10+ (Python and R), pyvis 0.3+, py4cytoscape 1.9+, matplotlib 3.8+, datashader 0.16+ (for large-graph rasterization). Before using code patterns, verify installed versions match. If versions differ: - Python: `pip show <package>` then `help(module.function)` to check signatures - R: `packageVersion('<pkg>')` then `?function_name` If code throws ImportError, AttributeError, or TypeError, introspect the installed package and adapt the example to match the actual API rather than retrying. # Network Visualization **"Plot a biological network"** -> Select a layout algorithm (force-directed for general; hive plot for comparative; ForceAtlas2 for scale-free; circular for small dense), encode node attributes (size by degree/centrality, color by community/module), and choose rendering tier (matplotlib for static publication; PyVis for interactive HTML; Cytoscape for journal-grade compositing). The dominant pitfall is treating layout as biology — node positions in force-directed plots are NOT biologically meaningful; only connectivity is. - Python: `networkx`, `pyvis.Network`, `py4cytoscape`, `datashader` (large
- Version Compatibility
- The Single Most Important Modern Insight -- Layout Is an Artifact, Not Biology
- Decision Tree by Network Type and Question
- Layout Algorithms
- Hive Plots (Krzywinski 2012) — Biology-Faithful
- Hierarchical Edge Bundling (Holten 2006)
- NetworkX + matplotlib — Standard Static
- PyVis — Interactive HTML
- Cytoscape Automation (py4cytoscape)
- Per-Method Failure Modes
- Layout positions interpreted as biology
- Layout differs across runs
- Comparing two networks with different layouts
- Hairball — too many edges with poor layout
What does the bio-data-visualization-network-visualization skill do?
Visualize biological networks (PPI, gene-regulatory, co-expression, pathway) with layout algorithm choice (ForceAtlas2, Fruchterman-Reingold, Kamada-Kawai, hive plots), edge bundling, community-based coloring, and reproducible seeds using NetworkX, PyVis, igraph, and Cytoscape automation. Use when rendering biological networks for static publication, interactive HTML exploration, or Cytoscape-format export.
How do I install it?
Run `npx skills add BioTender-max/awesome-bio-agent-skills --skill network-visualization --agent claude-code` — it drops the skill into your project so the agent can pick it up. Swap the --agent value for codex, cursor or copilot if you use one of those.
Where does this skill come from?
From BioTender-max/awesome-bio-agent-skills, a repository with 135 stars. We read it straight from the repository tree rather than a submitted listing, so what you see here is what is actually published.
Is a popular skill a good skill?
Not necessarily. Stars measure attention, not adoption — a repository can trend for a week and be abandoned. That is why we show the weekly change from our own snapshots next to the total, instead of a single flattering number.