understanding-dependency-graph

Map architectural structure by analyzing what depends on what to reveal coupling patterns, layering violations, and circular dependencies. Use when: (1) coupling is characterized without having mapped actual import and call relationships, (2) architectural layers are reasoned about based on directory structure rather than verified dependency flow, (3) module extraction or movement is considered without measuring how much coupling exists and in which direction, (4) dependency structure is discussed without explaining which modules are central hubs versus peripheral leaves.