Generating a GIF Animation for Global Placement(gpl) Using the Nesterov Algorithm

[landrydipanda]

Hello everyone,

I'm working on a project that involves global placement optimization(gpl), and I'm trying to generate a GIF animation that visualizes the intermediate steps of the Nesterov algorithm. The goal is to create a GIF that shows the progression of the cell placements over time.

I've attached a sample .def file that contains the necessary data for the global placement, and I've also included a sample .gif file to give you an idea of what I'm trying to achieve.

The Python code I've written to generate the output .def file is as follows:
`from openroad import Design, Tech
import helpers
import gpl_aux

tech = Tech()
tech.readLef("./nangate45.lef")
design = Design(tech)
design.readDef("./simple01.def")

gpl_aux.global_placement(design, init_density_penalty=0.01, skip_initial_place=True)

def_file = helpers.make_result_file("simple01.def")
design.writeDef(def_file)
helpers.diff_files(def_file, "simple01.defok")
`
Now, my question is: How can I generate the desired .gif file that shows the placement of the cells using the Nesterov algorithm?

I've tried searching the documentation, but I couldn't find any clear instructions on how to create such an animation. I'm hoping someone in the community can provide me with some guidance or sample code that I can use to achieve this.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your time and assistance!

def file and desired picture gif file.zip