World’s First Interactive Graph to Visualize Objects in Memory

Objects in memory are typically visualized only in text format, mostly in tables. For the first time, we are providing the capability in HeapHero to visualize objects in a graphical format. This blog post will explore the Interactive heap object chart features and its capabilities. This innovative approach not only makes the data more comprehensible but also allows for interactive exploration.

Video

Watch this video to learn about the object chart features and its capabilities:

What is an Interactive Heap Object Chart?

The interactive heap object chart is a multi-level pie chart that effectively represents hierarchical data. Each level of the hierarchy is represented by a ring or circle, with the root node at the center. The segments are proportionally divided to reflect the size of each category. This type of chart is particularly useful for visualizing part-to-whole relationships within hierarchical data.

Interactive Heap Object Chart in HeapHero

HeapHero is a comprehensive tool designed to analyse heap dump files and display various sections of data, such as the overview, leak suspects, large objects, histogram, and more. Traditionally, these sections have been presented in table formats, which, while informative, can sometimes be challenging to interpret quickly. To address this, we’ve integrated the interactive heap object chart to visualize the largest objects more intuitively.

Features of the Interactive Heap Object Chart

1. Visualizing the Largest Objects

The largest objects section is a crucial part of our heap dump analysis report. By leveraging the interactive heap object chart, we’ve transformed this data into a visual format that allows users to see the hierarchical structure at a glance.

2. Navigating the Chart

One of the key features of our interactive heap object chart is the ability to interact with it:

• Viewing Children of a Particular Object: You can click on any segment of the chart to drill down and view its children. This dynamic interaction helps users explore the data in-depth without getting overwhelmed.
• Going Back to the Root: To navigate back up the hierarchy, you can click on the center of the chart to go one step back or use the breadcrumb trail above the chart.

To further enhance the user experience, we’ve implemented breadcrumbs above the chart. This feature provides a clear path of navigation, showing the sequence of objects from the root to the current node. Each object name in the breadcrumb trail is clickable, enabling users to jump directly to any level of the hierarchy.

This ensures a seamless exploration experience, allowing users to move back and forth through the data hierarchy effortlessly.

3. Viewing Actual Data

When you click on any segment of the chart, you can view the actual data of the clicked object on the right side of the chart. This data includes details such as fields, static fields, overview, and more, providing a comprehensive view of the selected object.

4. Viewing Incoming/Outgoing References

To view incoming or outgoing references, you can right-click on any segment of the chart. This action opens a context menu with several options. Selecting an option will redirect you to a page where you can view the object references in detail, enhancing the understanding of object relationships within the heap.

How to View the Interactive Heap Object Chart in HeapHero

Here’s a quick guide on how to make the most of our new interactive heap object chart feature:

1. Upload Heap Dump: Upload your heap dump file to HeapHero from its home page.
2. Heap Report: When you upload your heap dump file, HeapHero will parse your heap dump and display the heap report to you.
3. Go to Largest Objects Section: Once the heap report is loaded, scroll down to the largest objects section. By default, you will see the data loaded in table format.
4. Switch to Chart View: In the largest objects section, you will find two tabs: Table View and Chart View. Switch to the Chart View tab to view the largest objects in a hierarchical format.
5. Exploring the Hierarchy: Click on any segment to zoom in and view the children of that node. The chart will update to show the next level of the hierarchy.
6. Viewing Actual Data: When you click on a segment, the actual data for the clicked object will appear on the right side of the chart, providing detailed information.
7. Viewing Incoming/Outgoing References: Right-click on any segment to open the context menu. Choose an option to view the incoming or outgoing references of the object, which will redirect you to a detailed reference page.
8. Using Breadcrumbs: Above the chart, you’ll see a breadcrumb trail representing your current path within the hierarchy. Click on any breadcrumb to jump back to that level, making it easy to navigate through the data.
9. Going Back: To go back one step, either click on the center of the chart or use the breadcrumbs to move up the hierarchy.

Conclusion

The integration of the interactive heap object chart in HeapHero has significantly improved the way we visualize the largest objects. This interactive and intuitive approach not only makes the data more accessible but also enhances the overall user experience. We’re excited for you to try it out and welcome any feedback you might have.