HTML5 graph overlays for application topology

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed in a computing device, generate a user interface, by performing the steps of:

• determining positions of a plurality of nodes and a plurality of child elements within the plurality of nodes according to a declarative layout, wherein the nodes and child elements visually represent a topology of virtual computing resources and application components executing thereon, wherein the declarative layout comprises an extension point associated with a first child element of the plurality of child elements;
• generating a base layer comprising a first plurality of scalar vector graphics (SVG) elements that renders the plurality of nodes and the plurality of child elements at the determined positions;
• identifying one or more layers of information to be overlaid on the base layer;
• retrieving supplemental information, from a virtualization component, for each of the one or more layers of information to be overlaid on the base layer, wherein the supplemental information is data associated with the plurality of nodes and application components of the topology;
• generating a second layer comprising a second plurality of SVG elements based on the extension point associated with the first child element, the supplemental information, and the identified one or more layers of information;
• and
• rendering, on a display device, a graphical user interface comprising the base layer and the second layer, wherein the second layer is rendered overlaid on the base layer.

A computer system for generating a user interface, comprising:

• a display device;
• and
• a processor programmed to carry out the steps of:
• determining positions of a plurality of nodes and a plurality of child elements within the plurality of nodes according to a declarative layout, wherein the nodes and child elements visually represent a topology of virtual computing resources and application components executing thereon, wherein the declarative layout comprises an extension point associated with a first child element of the plurality of child elements;
• generating a base layer comprising a first plurality of scalar vector graphics (SVG) elements that renders the plurality of nodes and the plurality of child elements at the determined positions;
• identifying one or more layers of information to be overlaid on the base layer;
• retrieving supplemental information, from a virtualization component, for each of the one or more layers of information to be overlaid on the base layer, wherein the supplemental information is data associated with the plurality of nodes and application components of the topology;
• generating a second layer comprising a second plurality of SVG elements based on the extension point associated with the first child element, the supplemental information, and the identified one or more layers of information;
• and
• rendering, on the display device, a graphical user interface comprising the base layer and the second layer, wherein the second layer is rendered overlaid on the base layer.