15 March 2019

Graphs...

I have seen it over and over again. Users calling Dynamo "graphs" as "scripts". Sorry but this is not what it is!

What we do with Dynamo is much smarter, it is directed graph technology. It is a much higher order way to do (visual) programming, than simple scripts known from ex. Java scripts, or even the way Python scripts is widely used in Custom Nodes... or scripts in Code Blocks.

Naming it "scripts" is to patronize what we actually do.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Directed_acyclic_graph
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_programming_language
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graph_rewriting


Try also to open a dynamo 1.3 file in a text editor...
<Connectors>
  <Dynamo.Graph.Connectors.ConnectorModel ... />
</Connectors>


Or take a look at the Dynamo Primer...


...and from https://primer.dynamobim.org/13_Best-Practice/13-2_Graph-Strategies.html

Reduce Complexity
As you develop your Dynamo graph and test ideas, it can quickly grow in size and complexity. While it is important that you create a functioning program, it is equally important to do it as simply as possible. Not only will your graph run faster and more predictably, you along with other users will understand its logic later on. The following are several ways that will help you clarify the logic of your graph.

[...]


Maintain Readability

In addition to making your graph as simple and efficient as possible, strive for graphic clarity. Despite your best efforts to make your graph intuitive with logical groupings, relationships might not be readily apparent. A simple Note inside of a Group or renaming a slider can save you or another user from unnecessary confusion or panning across the graph. The following are several ways that will help you apply graphic consistency within and across your graphs.


It does matter to use a "language" thoroughly. Giving up language is giving up the core of whatever a culture stands for. Therefore, I don’t think it is a good idea to let "slang" become the language!

Please let us use the right notation... it is graphs, not scripts!